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Politics & Government

Co-Op Hockey Plan Scores Extension

The school committee deferred decisions on a new bus contract and budget changes until July 21.

At its meeting on July 12, the Johnston School Committee extended the district's co-op varsity high school hockey agreement with North Providence for two more years.

The two towns' high schools will continue to share the costs of travel, ice time, and equipment, according to committee Chairwoman Janice Mele.

The team, known as the Cougars, are coming off a season that saw them defeat Mt. Hope High to in just their second season of operation as a co-op squad.

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Also on July 12, a decision regarding the district’s new three-year bus contract was tabled until the board's next scheduled meeting, on July 21.

“The importance of the bus company and the children’s safety is too important to rush,” Mele said.

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Member Joseph Rotella questioned the length of the proposed contract and said he wants to ensure that there would be a way out of the pact if the bus company’s performance were found to be unsatisfactory.

“I don’t think they (long-term contracts) keep people on their toes,” Rotella said.

School Solicitor William Conley Jr. explained that the contract includes terms and conditions that are performance-related.

The approval of possible changes to next year’s school budget was also tabled until the July 21 meeting.

Following the , the school department is receiving the same amount of town funds as in fiscal 2011 — a difference of about $376,000 from the fiscal 2012 school budget request — and adjustments are still being made, according to Business Manager Melissa Devine.

The next school committee meeting is scheduled for July 21 at 7 p.m. at Ferri Middle School.

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