Fundraising underway for new elementary school project

Fundraising underway for new elementary school project

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — Less than a week after residents approved a $500,000 Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion for the schematic and design phase of a new elementary school, efforts are already underway to raise the money needed and reduce the town’s portion of $200,000.

“Now that the vote has passed, we can start to raise that money,” said Narragansett Superintendent Ruth Miller. “So far we’ve raised over $1,000.”


Staff and parents have been working hard to create support for the project — getting residents out to vote and trying to attract investors.

Ms. Miller said she knew of several people with connections to corporations or former  residents who may be interested in contributing and giving back to the community. Ms. Miller herself has been visiting local businesses, dropping off letters explaining the project and the need.

Elementary School Principal John Graziano said Cumberland Farms and Village Pizza in town have both contributed to the project.

Although $1,000 may seem like a small amount compared to the $200,000 needed, Ms. Miller said the district is planning larger events to raise money, with plenty of opportunities to bring in more funds ahead of the May 5 Town Election.

“Every dollar raised, is a dollar off the taxpayers’ burden and off the amount we have to bond,” explained Ms. Miller.

The $500,000 debt exclusion question will be on the ballot in May, when residents will vote on whether the project can move forward. Debt exclusion funding is raised through taxes and will effect the town’s tax rate, if the question is passed.

The total cost for the schematic and design phase is $500,000, but the town will only be responsible for $200,000 — due to the Massachusetts School Building Authority agreeing to reimbursed Templeton for 60 percent of the project.

Ms. Miller said if residents reject the debt exclusion, the school would be out of the state’s funding pipeline and would likely receive a lower reimbursement rate if they pursue the project in the future.

Anyone seeking to contribute to the project can send their donation to the Narragansett Regional School District Central Office, with a letter stating that the money should be put towards the Elementary School Building Project.