School Superintendent Awarded $1,380 Merit Payment

Stating that he met most of his objectives with flying colors, the North Kingstown School Committee gave Dr. Phil Auger a $1,380 bonus to cap his first year as school superintendent.

Committee member John Boscardin said that he believes in merit pay rather than automatic pay increases. Based on the superintendent's evaluation, conducted in executive session at the June 12 meeting, Boscardin joined a majority of the committee in approving the payment.

In other action, the committee approved Aaron Thomas as Summer Sports Camp Director at a salary of $7,201, funded by an. The committee also approved Erin Bagwell as Middle School Summer School Program Director, with a $3,000 stipend.

Looking ahead to next year, the committee named math teacher Howard Hague to the part-time position of Athletic Director. It also approved 17 part-time high school coaches and seven part-time middle school coaches, including three supported by parent and student fund-raising.

The committee approved most of the consent agenda as submitted, but voted to maintain the existing septic services contractor, Mumford and Sons of North Kingstown, rather than switching to a slightly lower-priced out-of-town vendor.

The committee approved revisions to the school policy on behavioral intervention using physical restraints.

More than a dozen speakers addressed the committee during public comment. Most implored the committee not to outsource food or custodial services, which the committee is considering to balance its budget.

Auger said that further action on the schools' budget depends on a ruling by the arbitrator reviewing a proposed contract with the North Kingstown Education Support Professionals, a final decision on the amount of 2013 state aid, and a recommendation from the Facilities Sub-Committee on whether the school system can tap unused funds remaining from a 2004 bond issue.