Voters Approve Budget, Committee Nixes Picard Contract Extension

By Cynthia Drummond for BRVCA

Wednesday April 9th 2025

RICHMOND – On Tuesday, voters in Charlestown, Richmond and Hopkinton approved Chariho’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

Later, at the School Committee meeting, a majority of committee members rejected a proposal to extend the contract of Superintendent of Schools, Gina Picard.

The Budget

Turnout was light in Tuesday’s referendum, with a total of just 1,279 voters from the three towns.  911 residents voted in favor of the budget, with 368 opposed.

In Charlestown, 316 residents voted, with 282 in favor and 34 opposed.

In Richmond, where 503 residents cast their ballots, the vote was 355 to 148.

In Hopkinton, 460 people voted, with 274 in favor and 186 opposed.

The Chariho budget of $59,334, 207, which includes about $15 million in state aid, is a 0.67% increase over the 2025 budget.

The spending plan calls for the permanent closing of Hope Valley Elementary School, which will save the district $875,000.

Charlestown’s Chariho share, including state aid, is $12,445,497, a decrease of 1.02% over the current year, Richmond’s share, $16,017,696 is an increase of 1.61% and Hopkinton’s contribution, $15,809,123, is an increase of 1.07%.

After the votes had been tallied, Picard said,

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all community members who participated in the recent school budget referendum, reinforcing their commitment to the Chariho Regional School District. Amidst a 3.3% inflation rate, the district's ability to propose a budget with only a 0.67% increase highlights the diligent efforts of our administrative team and School Committee. This prudent financial planning ensures the continued delivery of quality education while maintaining the trust and support of our community.”

School Committee Chair Louise Dinsmore said the approval of the budget is proof of strong community support of the school district.

“I was very encouraged to see the FY26 Chariho school budget pass by a strong margin with all three communities investing in public education,” she said in an emailed comment. “The Superintendent and the exceptional educators and staff are hard at work planning for a bright future by supporting all of the students and families.  I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the students, families, educators, and staff impacted by the closing of Hope Valley Elementary School.  As we close out this school year marking the end of a storied era for HVE, we will charge ahead embracing the future which is full of endless possibilities. Thank you to the voters for supporting this budget and realizing the importance of investing in the future of Chariho.” 

Richmond School Committee member Jessica Purcell said she still had concerns about the district’s financial future.

“I’m relieved, but I also have reservations because it’s such a low increase, and it has been multiple years of low increases, and we’re now seeing some of the needs that are big, at the elementary schools, which still don’t have a capital improvement plan,” she said. “So while I’m happy that the budget passed, I’m still committed to a smooth transition through [elementary school] consolidation, and a  capital improvement plan for the elementary schools.”

Committee Rejects Picard’s Contract Extension

Gina Picard’s contract does not expire until June 2027, however, the committee was asked to consider a proposal to extend the contract until June 30, 2028. (Picard’s salary,  in the 2026 budget, is $170,404.20.)

Wearing green Chariho T-shirts and carrying small signs, many members of the standing room only audience were incensed when Dinsmore refused to allow public comment on the matter.

Several committee members also asked that the public be invited to speak.

Charlestown member Craig Louzon pointed to the public comment policy under previous committee Chair, Linda Lyall.

“Everybody was allowed to speak, and at every meeting, you were allowed to get up and speak numerous times over and over again, when you were not a member of this committee,” he said, addressing Dinsmore. “And you weren’t always presenting facts when you were doing that, so with that being said,

Dinsmore broke in,

“That’s not fair, Craig,” she said. “Point of order. This is getting out of control.”

“I’m communicating right now about this issue,” Louzon replied.

“Craig, calm down,” Dinsmore said. “Bring it down.”

Dinsmore then turned to Jon Anderson, the solicitor for the district, and asked him whether the committee chair had the authority to deny what she described as a discussion that “could devolve into, potentially, a performance discussion,” which might also constitute a violation of the Open Meetings Act.

Anderson replied that the decision was Dinsmore’s.

“I’ve advised the School Committee for 17 years, and the chair presides at the meeting, and the chair runs the meeting,” he stated.

Over the vocal objections of several residents, Dinsmore asked for a roll call vote. Committee members voting to extend Picard’s contract were Linda Lyall, Jessica Purcell, Donna Chambers, Craig Louzon, and Karen Reynolds. Voting against the extension were Dinsmore, Laura Chapman, Polly Hopkins, Larry Phelps, Dianne Tefft, Tyler Champlin, and Patricia Pouliot.

Purcell said Wednesday,

“I don’t see how public comment can violate the Open Meetings Act,” she said. “It’s only members of the committee that can violate the OMA, not members of the public.”

However, Purcell also noted that the vote had not surprised her.

“This is one of those ‘rumors’ that has been swirling for years, and I think that the current majority knew there would be a lot of people disappointed if they didn’t take a stand together against Picard’s contract.”

In a written statement received Wednesday, Dinsmore said  her vote did not reflect a lack of confidence in Picard and the rest of the administrative team.

“Last evening by a vote of 7-5, the School Committee made the decision not to offer a 1-year contract extension to the Superintendent.  Currently the term of Ms. Picard’s contract is through June 30, 2027.  Since being appointed to the School Committee and being elected as Chair, I am enormously grateful to the Superintendent and her team for helping me navigate this challenging leadership position.  Gina and her team have been accessible, responsive and quite helpful.”

“Last night’s agenda item included a discussion on a one-year extension for the Superintendent.  I am not speaking on behalf of the School Committee but offering my perspective.  Personally, I chose to offer the Superintendent my feedback and observations, both positive and constructive, to her privately. As a professional, that is what Ms. Picard deserves.  The Superintendent accepted my feedback with grace and an open mind. What I will reinforce, as I stated at the School Committee meeting, is that a commitment to academic excellence and showing the strongest academic results possible, is extremely important to me.  We are a strong District and one that I’m proud of.  With that being said, we have to consistently challenge ourselves and hold the District accountable to reach stretch, metrics-based goals. I want the Chariho School District to be among the best, if not the best, District in Rhode Island. “

“My vote was in no way a reflection of my lack of confidence in the Superintendent or her team and shouldn’t be interpreted that way. Two+ years is a fair amount of time to demonstrate growth, stronger results and achieving stretch goals.  My vote reflected my being an objective observer, challenging the CEO and her team to reach for the stars.”

“It was my job as Chair to ensure that this discussion among the School Committee members didn’t morph into a conversation on the Superintendent’s job performance, as there could be legal ramifications had that transpired. I offered ample time for the School Committee members to offer their perspectives.  Following that discussion among Members, I made the decision not to offer public comment.  As the Chair, that is within my purview.  When I was nominated as Chair in front of a full audience, Member Jessica Purcell asked “can we have discussion from the audience?”.  The decision was made by the Acting Chair, Karen Reynolds, not to allow input from the public regarding my nomination.  That was Ms. Reynold's choice, I respected her choice, the School Committee respected her choice and the audience respected her choice.  And so too, should my choice be respected.  It’s my role to ensure that meetings are conducted with decorum, civility and professionalism.”

“I am committed to working with the Superintendent and her team as a collaborator to ensure that the District has the resources it needs to achieve the highest levels of academic excellence in the future.”

With more than two years remaining in her current contract, Picard said Wednesday that she would begin thinking about her future when the contract expires.

“I am immensely proud of the significant strides Chariho Regional School District has made, with our data indicating statistically significant growth across all strategic plan goals,” she said. “This progress is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our teachers and staff, who consistently go above and beyond for our students. The presentation [ the Vision 2026 Strategic Plan Update] led by our students, teachers, and administrators last night was a shining light on the incredible work we do every day. As I continue my tenure with two years remaining in my contract, I will take this time to reflect and determine my next steps, always prioritizing the best interests of our students and the community.”