North Kingstown committee backs retooling truancy post into Student Attendance and Family Outreach Coordinator

North Kingstown — At its June 25 special meeting, the North Kingstown School Committee reviewed a proposal to reclassify the district’s part‑time truancy officer into a full‑time Student Attendance and Family Outreach Coordinator tasked with outreach to families and increased support for students covered by the McKinney‑Vento homeless assistance law.

Dr. Jim, who presented the recommendation, said the revised job description expands the position from roughly 15–20 hours weekly to a standard 35‑hour workweek and up to 260 days per year, with the salary budgeted at $45,500 and benefits budgeted in an additional line (approximately $5,200 if the employee elects benefits). “I am recommending a change in the title as well as student attendance and family outreach coordinator,” Dr. Jim said, explaining the role would emphasize proactive family engagement rather than punitive measures for absenteeism.

The presentation said the coordinator would work alongside Lydia, who will retain administrative oversight; the position will report to student services (the assistant superintendent and the director of student services). Dr. Jim described the role’s main duties as family outreach, McKinney‑Vento support, and direct engagement to address causes of chronic absenteeism before disciplinary steps are required.

Committee members asked about cost and coverage. Members noted the former truancy officer worked about 15–20 hours; administration confirmed the $45,500 figure refers to salary only and that benefits would be added separately (the presentation identified a benefits line of about $5,200). Administration said the proposal fits within the current budget and that hiring will be posted publicly: the district will post the job description and the enacted aid memo on the district website.

Board members also discussed how the new coordinator would interface with existing staff. A committee member asked whether the coordinator would report to Lydia; the administration clarified the new hire would report to student services while coordinating closely with Lydia, who will continue to handle administrative duties and grant compliance.

The committee did not record a separate formal vote to approve the job posting during the meeting; administration indicated it only needed to notify the school community that it was moving forward and that no additional school committee vote was required to post the position.

The next steps spelled out in the meeting: administration will post the revised job description and the enacted aid memo on the district website and proceed with recruitment within the budgeted authorization.