State Funding Gives Kingston Schools a Boost for Sheltering Students
Second Payment from Emergency Assistance Program to Support Students and Families
KINGSTON, MA – May 14, 2024 – The Kingston School Committee meeting on Tuesday evening brought a wave of good news for the district, including an unexpected influx of state funding to support students living in temporary housing.
The district received $248,170 from the Emergency Assistance Shelter Reimbursement Program for the period covering December 15, 2023, to March 1, 2024. This funding is intended to offset the costs of instructional services and other support provided to these students and their families.
This payment is the second installment of the reimbursement program, with a third expected to cover the remainder of the fiscal year. The initial payment of $101,000 was received earlier this year.
The funding is a significant boost to the district's budget, especially considering the recent budget cuts and discussions around funding for temporarily housed students. School Committee member Jean Coleman expressed her satisfaction with the state's contribution, stating, "I would agree that they're making a significant contribution."
In other news from the meeting, the Kingston Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) generously donated a soccer kick wall to Kingston Intermediate School. The wall, funded and maintained entirely by KYSA, will be available for use by students, gym classes, and anyone permitted on the school fields. KYSA also donated $1,000 to the school for general purchases.
Kingston Elementary School Principal Carrie Whipple shared positive updates on student progress, highlighting significant growth in DIBELS scores due to consistent phonics instruction. She also discussed the school's ongoing efforts to improve student achievement through data analysis, targeted interventions, and collaboration among teachers.
The meeting concluded with a vote to freeze the budget for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year, a precautionary measure to avoid exceeding line items.
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for July 8th.