Committee Awards Bid to Replace DMS Roof

Providing safe, comfortable schools was the focus of several North Kingstown School Committee actions at its June 12 meeting.

The committee awarded a $1.32 million contract to Capeway Roofing Systems of Westport, MA to replace the leaking roof at . The work, to be completed over the summer, will be funded by a . Capeway was one of four bidders on the job, and its bid was less than the $2 million estimate for the work.

The committee also authorized a proposal by school staff for an expedited l, replace the carpet with tile or polished concrete, and make repairs designed to prevent water from rising through the building's foundation.

Parents and staff have about damage from Quidnessett's leaky roof and other water problems. The school system is to implement warranty roof repairs.

The school staff will solicit quotes from approved vendors to remove the carpet, replace it with more suitable flooring and determine what other repairs, such as sump pumps, may be needed to keep floors dry. The staff aims to have a proposal for the school committee to review by the end of June so that work can take place over the summer recess.

The spring bond issue covers repair work at several schools, including Quidnessett.

Finally, on the recommendation of Superintendent Phil Auger, the committee reversed an earlier decision and authorized the hiring of a full-time physical plant supervisor, rather than relying on a part-timer.

Auger said he discussed sharing a physical plant administrator with the town, but the town employees had no availability. Auger said that ongoing problems at Davisville, Quidnessett and other parts of the $200-million school facilities indicate that a knowledgeable, full-time supervisor will be more cost-effective over the long term.