School committee approves routine consent items, workshop schedule and donation; facilities updates reported

The Blackstone‑Millville Regional School Committee handled routine business at its Jan. 11 meeting, approving warrants and minutes, setting budget‑workshop dates, and accepting a donation to help eighth graders attend a Washington, D.C. trip.

The committee approved Consent Agenda A (warrants and the Dec. 14 minutes) on a motion by Dan and seconded by Tara; members voted unanimously. The committee also voted unanimously to declassify and approve executive session minutes from Oct. 12 and Nov. 2, 2023, on a motion by Dan and seconded by Tara.

Committee members set three budget workshops — Jan. 18, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 — and approved a first‑grade field trip to the Roger Williams Zoo on May 20. The business office reported personnel vacancies (including a head custodian, SLP, reading specialist and HR specialist) and said hiring interviews are underway for several posts.

The committee accepted a $3,500 donation from Banner Doors (via Mrs. Christy Lambert) to offset costs for students attending the Washington, D.C. trip; the motion carried unanimously. Facilities reported recent plumbing repairs, pumping‑station cleanings, tile replacement in common areas, a faulty smoke‑detector replacement and an angle‑valve replacement scheduled for Jan. 25 at Millville Elementary.

Discussion of three nonworking gym pieces (two rowing machines and a stair climber) was postponed while staff confirm whether repair or donation options exist. The meeting concluded after announcements about election nomination papers and meeting schedules; the next regular committee meeting is Feb. 8.

Votes at a glance: Consent Agenda A — approved (unanimous); Executive session minutes Oct. 12 & Nov. 2 — approved (unanimous); Workshop dates — approved (unanimous); Roger Williams Zoo field trip — approved (unanimous); Donation — accepted $3,500 (unanimous).