Committee welcomes new hires and hears teacher report on nearly $89,000 classroom grant

At the Dec. 16 meeting the North Smithfield School Committee welcomed new staff and heard a teacher describe a classroom grant award.

Superintendent St. Jean introduced three new appointments, including an instructional assistant named Ashley and a newly hired school psychologist, Alicia, whom staff described as a highly qualified hire after a two‑and‑a‑half‑year search. "Alicia has been an absolute gem," the superintendent said, thanking staff who supported the hire.

During the consent portion of the meeting a teacher identified as John (Mr. Arango) described a Pelican for a Champion grant the district received to enhance the tech ed program with CNC machines, computers, 3D printers and iPads. The teacher reported the award was "a little less than $89,000" and that the district has one year to spend the funds.

The committee voted to approve the consent agenda items and separately approved the items that had been pulled for presentation. Members thanked the teacher and expressed appreciation for staff recruitment success.

Next steps: staff will onboard new hires; grant funds will be used in accordance with the grant’s timeline and reporting requirements.