At a Special Meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Middletown, RI at the Gaudet School Field, 259 Turner Road, Middletown, RI in person on Friday, March 27, 2026, 2025 at 10:05 A.M.
Members Present::
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues, Presiding
Vice President Thomas P. Welch, III
Councillor Peter D. Connerton, Sr.
Councillor Charles R. Roberts
Councillor Dennis B. Turano
Absent:
Councillor Christopher M. Logan
Councillor Barbara A. VonVillas
POSTED – March 24, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING – MARCH 27, 2026
The following items of business, having been filed with the Town Clerk under the Rules of the Council, will come before the Council at a special meeting to be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at the Gaudet School Field, 259 Turner Road, Middletown, Rhode Island. Said meeting will be conducted in person.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk
Town of Middletown
Town Hall – 350 East Main Road
Middletown, Rhode Island 02842
Dear Ms. Marshall:
Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 203 of the Town Charter and in accordance with Sections 42-46-2., 42-46-4., 42-46-5., and 42-46-6., RIGL, I hereby call a Special Meeting of the Town Council to formally consider, discuss and act upon the following items of business. All items on this agenda, may be considered, discussed and voted upon.
Said meeting will be held at the new Middletown Middle High School, 259 Turner Road, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842 on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.
____________________________________
Paul M. Rodrigues, President
Middletown Town Council
cc : Town Council Public Library Finance Director
Town Administrator Town Solicitor School Committee
This meeting location is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals requiring interpreter services for the hearing-impaired should notify the Town Clerk’s Office at 847-0009 not less than 48 hours before this meeting.
Posted on March 24, 2026 at Middletown Town Hall, Middletown Public Library and Secretary of State Web Site.
1. Middletown Middle High School Topping Off Ceremony.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to begin said Middletown Middle High School Topping Off Ceremony.
Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer:
Good morning, everyone and welcome to our topping off ceremony, here for the Middletown High School, a monumental moment for our district and our town. This really is an exciting day for our district, and our community. We are here to celebrate the final structural beam of our new Middle High School, being placed, ending that phase of the construction process.
Before we hear from our speakers today, I’d like to take a moment to recognize the tradition we’re celebrating.
The “topping off” ceremony dates back centuries, with roots in Scandinavian construction practices. When builders completed the highest point of a structure, they would place a tree or branch atop the building as a symbol of respect for the materials, for the workers, and for the community the structure would serve. Today, that tradition lives on in the placement of the final beam marking both a construction milestone and a moment of gratitude.
While speaking of gratitude, I’d like to take a moment to recognize the incredible team behind the project – the construction crews, the design team, the building committee and all the folks working behind the scenes to ensure that this school is going to be a beacon for us in Middletown. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment have kept this project moving forward, even through challenges like this winter’s blizzard. Imagine how hard it was getting out of your driveway during that last storm, these folks had to clear the site, and keep working to make up for the lost time. It is incredible. Because of their efforts, we are here today celebrating this milestone. I can’t stress enough how much work has gone into this project, by countless people, to make sure Middletown has the best possible educational environment for our students.
We have key groups here that were part of this process, Our School Committee, Members of our Building Committee, and our Town Council as well. A few of these folks would like to speak this morning and share their thoughts.
At this time, it’s my pleasure to introduce our first speaker, Town Council President Paul Rodrigues. As Council President, Mr. Rodrigues has played an important role in support this project and helping move forward a vision that will benefit Middletown students for years to come.
Council President Paul Rodrigues addressed the attendees noting it is an exciting day for Middletown and the students of Middletown. Mr. Rodrigues thanked all who have assisted with the project noting that the project is still on time and on budget.
Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer introduced Middletown School Committee Chair, Mr. Greg Huet. Mr. Huet has been active in the building process as a school committee member, chair and member of the building committee.
School Committee Chair Greg Huet, read the following into the record:
Good morning. Welcome Town Council Members, RIDE Representative
Andy Andrade, School Committee Members, School Building Committee Members,
all of our construction partners and School Department Staff Teachers and students.
Today’s placement of the final steel beam on our new school building complex
marks a significant milestone in reaching our communities’ robust educational goals.
The placement of this final steel beam symbolizes major progress in the construction
phase; but we know there is still much work ahead before completion.
I believe the symbolism in placing the final steel beam is also reflective of the present
state of our school district.
We are making significant progress, but we know that there is still much work ahead
before the job in reaching our lofty academic goals are accomplished.
This is a moment in time for our community to be proud of what is being accomplished
in both our School District and our community. In closing, there are many people to
thank for their dedicated and diligent efforts in getting us to this important milestone.
I would like to single out a few, the skilled tradesmen, our contractors, our School
Building Committee, the Town staff, our Superintendent, his staff, our teachers and
our students and most importantly our taxpayers. Thank you
Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer introduced Mr. Andy Andrade from the Department of Education, representing RIDE. He is a great partner to the district, a support of kids in our town, and a resident of Middletown.
Mr. Andy Andrade, representing RIDE reviewed the following:
The state is pleased to have supported this project.
Again, on behalf of RIDE, I thank all the families, partners, students, and educators who have joined us today for this important event.
I know that working together, we will continue to transform our buildings and support students in reaching their full potential.
Thank you.
Superintendent of Schools William Neimeyer noted the following:
This project represents something truly exciting for Middletown – a state-of-the-art school that will serve students for decades to come. It reflects a shared commitment to investing in our young people and in the future of this community.
And in just a few moments, we’ll witness one of the most symbolic parts of this journey the placement of the final beam bringing us one step closer to opening these doors to the students who will learn, grow, and thrive here. It has been great watching students and staff sign the beam. I had a great time recognizing names and thinking about all of the present and future students this building will serve. It has been an honor to be a part of this process, this ceremony and this school community.
Thank you all for being here to celebrate this important milestone. I am grateful that you could attend and participate in this event. Let’s watch this final beam get placed.
Everyone watched the final beam being placed on the building.
On motion of Vice President Welch, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn said meeting at 10:18 a.m.
Wendy J.W. Marshall, MMC
Council Clerk