Parents, Teachers Recount Conditions at Quidnessett Elementary

isn’t the only school in the , according to some parents and teachers of . A handful of concerned parents and teachers spoke before the North Kingstown Town Council Monday night, pleading for action to be taken on the school.

“I honestly don’t know what to do anymore because my students are walking through raindrops to get into my classroom,” said second grade teacher, Kim Wilson. “My books are wet, the rugs are wet and my students’ backpacks are wet.”

Wilson also told the council that mold had been found in her classroom last August and recent infrared moisture scans of the roof (authorized by the council) have reportedly shown her room to be “one of the wettest in the school.” She added that after multiple attempts to get a response from the school department’s administration, she decided to take her grievances to the council.

“The administrators are acting like there’s nothing wrong and it’s just a little leak,” said parent Stephanie Sullivan, who has two daughters at the school.

Resident Jim McGwin, whose daughter formerly attended the school, has been active in spreading the word about the roof’s condition, speaking at several public comments.

“If a coffee shop was leaking like the way Quidnessett is leaking, they would be shut down,” said McGwin.

According to , the situation at Quidnessett “doesn’t rise to the threshold” of Davisville Middle School – which is set to get a new roof after the passage of last month’s $6.4 million bond. According to Jim Grundy of the School Facilities Subcommittee, the roof at Quidnessett is 10 years old and has five more years left on its warranty.

Council President Elizabeth Dolan urged parents and teachers to bring their grievances before the North Kingstown School Committee on Tuesday night, when the committee will request advice from the facilities subcommittee regarding the infrared scan. Additionally, Dolan said the council would look into having the town fire marshal and building inspector do a walkthrough of the school.