Superintendent reports Central Falls Promise launch, enrollment uptick and possible small staffing change

Superintendent used the April 28 meeting to highlight recent district initiatives and operational updates. Staff celebrated the launch of the Central Falls Promise, modeled on a similar Providence program, which opens college-savings accounts for current and rising kindergarteners. The superintendent also noted a ribbon cutting for the new Central Falls High School and inclusive programs such as unified basketball and assistive communication boards at Ellerisk.

On enrollment, the superintendent said the district closed April with just under 2,500 students. Pre-K is the largest cohort; kindergarten enrollments have dipped in some grades (one cited kindergarten count was 139), prompting staff to consider section reductions for next year. Deputy Superintendent Lynch said the district is reorganizing MLL, gen-ed and inclusion classrooms to rebalance services and that, because of retirements and vacancies, the district expects minimal layoffs but "maybe one layoff" could occur; any personnel actions will be brought to the board at the next meeting.

The superintendent also reminded families that the pre-K lottery and kindergarten registration are open and noted that the board will hold the superintendent's evaluation in executive session at the May 26 meeting.