Planning begins after Rhode Island’s school construction program introduced a temporary 20% bonus reimbursement for projects, potentially increasing Chariho’s state reimbursement from 61% to as much as 81%.
Chariho Unified Elementary School Campus Proposal
$116 Million Bond Referendum • November 3, 2026
Conceptual rendering submitted with Chariho’s Stage II application. Final design is subject to required approvals and further design development.
Planning for the future of Chariho Elementary Schools
Since 2018, Rhode Island school districts have been required to develop Capital Improvement Plans to qualify for state funding and reimbursement for construction projects. The District and School Committee, in partnership with the RI Department of Education, an architecture firm, a project management firm, and community stakeholders, have evaluated multiple options that include renovating the existing schools, building three new schools, or creating a consolidated elementary campus.
Consolidating and building modern elementary facilities to replace three aging buildings will reduce long-term operating costs, improve energy efficiency, enhance safety and security, and provide more opportunities to support student learning. With two existing bonds retiring within the next three years, Chariho is well-positioned to prepare for a new bond with 61-65% state aid reimbursement on principal and interest.
Rhode Island’s School Building Authority process is designed to ensure construction projects are educationally sound, financially responsible, and eligible for state aid. Districts consider planning for infrastructure needs and educational programming needs, using the Necessity for School Construction Process. Chariho has used this application process since 2019 to identify needs and plan for improvements.
The RI General Assembly requires RIDE to complete facility condition reviews of all school buildings in the state. These reports add to the objective evidence that helps us make informed, transparent decisions for the future of our students and our community. The Jacobs Report in 2017 was a catalyst for a state bond that funded school building renovation and construction projects.
The Bureau Veritas report was completed in 2025 and provided up-to-date figures on the amount of funding needed to meet repair/replacement/improvement needs over the next five years.
Chariho Elementary School Buildings
Built in 1935, 91 years old: $17,426,500 estimated 5-year total repair cost
Built in 1954, 72 years old: $21,837,700 estimated 5-year total repair cost
Built in 1968, 58 years old: $12,755,800 estimated 5-year total repair cost
Proposal Overview
This proposal was developed in collaboration with District administrative staff, the Chariho School Committee, and project partners. Before agreeing to advance a plan for a Unified Elementary School, the team presented multiple options with the community at several public meetings: construction of one new school building in each town, renovation of three existing schools, and consolidation into a unified elementary school.
The current proposal has received numerous approvals from the School Committee that have allowed the plan for a Chariho Unified Elementary School Campus to progress. The site plan is for two buildings on one property – a lower elementary building for Pre-K-1 students and an upper elementary building for students in grades 2-5.
After an extensive district-wide search of over 60 properties, the School Committee voted to move forward with a Unified Elementary Campus located at the current Charlestown Elementary School property.
This proposal includes reintroducing Chariho’s 5th-grade students back to the elementary level. This addresses a community concern and provides space for additional educational programming and opportunities at the Middle School.
The next step in this process is seeking voter approval for a $116 million bond referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Lower Elementary School
Upper Elementary School
Conceptual rendering submitted with Chariho’s Stage II application. Final design is subject to required approvals and further design development.
Chariho Unified Elementary School Project Timeline
Scroll to explore the timeline
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The process for an elementary school improvement plan, including consolidation and new construction, was delayed due to legal issues with the architecture firm.
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Following a legal settlement, Chariho received approval to advance Stage I and Stage II plans, including construction of three new elementary schools and Main Campus improvements, with projected state aid of 76–81%.
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A $150 million bond referendum failed. The temporary 81% bonus reimbursement expired in June 2024.
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Voters approved a separate $15 million bond for Main Campus capital improvements.
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The School Committee voted to close Hope Valley Elementary at the end of the 2024–25 school year. Link to meeting minutes
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August 2025
After a new Stage I application for the elementary schools was submitted, the School Committee approved District contracts with SLAM for architectural and planning services and Colliers for project management, and began Stage II planning. In addition to School Committee presentations, the District held community meetings at Richmond, Charlestown, and Ashaway Elementary Schools, along with a virtual presentation.
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After public discussion and comment, the School Committee voted to submit a plan for a Unified Elementary School campus. (Meeting minutes, meeting recording).
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The District held a public feedback session on the Stage II conceptual design.
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The School Committee approved the proposed bond legislation for $116 million. (Meeting minutes, meeting recording).
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The Rhode Island General Assembly approved legislation authorizing the proposed bond legislation. Link to HB8527
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The District evaluated more than 60 potential properties and determined that the existing Charlestown Elementary School site was the only affordable, workable location identified for a unified campus.
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Charlestown held a public hearing concerning the proposed land lease.
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Charlestown voters approved allowing the Chariho School District to use the Charlestown Elementary School property. This vote addressed the use/lease of the land only.
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The School Committee approved submission of the Stage II application to the Rhode Island Department of Education, after a final presentation from SLAM architects and Collier project management. (meeting minutes not available yet meeting recording)
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Stage II Application submitted to RIDE School Building Authority
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Districtwide Bond Referendum
How the Vote Works
As governed by the Chariho Act, the bond referendum is decided by the combined vote of all three towns. Like the annual school budget, votes from Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkinton are added together, and the measure passes or fails based on the aggregate districtwide result.
- On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the residents of three towns, Richmond, Hopkinton, and Charlestown will vote yes or no on the following bond question:
“Authorizing the Chariho Regional School District to Finance the Construction, Furnishing and Equipping of an Elementary School Serving the Towns of Charlestown, Richmond and Hopkinton, Consisting of One or More Buildings on a Single Campus, and Improvements at the Switch Road Campus Including, but Not Limited to, Costs of Land Acquisition, Demolition, Design, Health and Safety Projects, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Paving, and All Expenses Incidental Thereto, by the Issuance of Not More Than $116,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject to Approval of State Housing Aid at a Reimbursement Rate or State Share Ratio of Not Less Than 61% at the Time of Issuance, Which Rate or Ratio May Increase to 65% at Project Completion” (link to bond legislation)
The proposed borrowing is subject to state school construction aid, with a required state reimbursement rate of at least 61% at the time of issuance, potentially increasing to 65% at project completion under the approved legislation.
Planning and Proposal Highlights
Chariho’s Stage II Application for the Unified Elementary School proposal was submitted to RIDE on September 15, 2026. This application is part of a five-step application and oversight process required for school construction projects. Many important reports and studies were included in the application.
Project Partners
Chariho’s District Administrative team leads Capital Improvement Planning efforts in collaboration with several project partners that include local and state governance/oversight, businesses, and subject-matter experts. In addition to the partners listed below, multiple organizations were involved in providing studies and information for the Stage II Application that was submitted for this proposal.
Chariho Administration
Chariho Regional School District administration supports the planning, coordination, and implementation of the school construction process.
Chariho School Committee
The Chariho School Committee participates in district planning, decision-making, and oversight related to the proposed school construction project.
Necessity of School Construction Committee
Membership must meet standards for required representation set by the RIDE School Building Authority.
Municipal Representatives
If the proposal is approved by voters, a Building Committee provides oversight of the project planning, design, and execution.
Each Town Council will appoint residents from their town to serve on this committee alongside Chariho Regional School District employees and School Committee members.
SLAM Collaborative Architecture Firm
SLAM Collaborative provides architectural planning and design expertise for K-12 educational facilities.
Colliers Project Management
Colliers provides project management support to help coordinate planning, budgeting, scheduling, and construction activities.
Rhode Island Department of Education: School Building Authority
RIDE provides standards, guidelines, funding requirements, and supporting resources for Rhode Island school construction projects.
Housing Aid – Information about state housing aid reimbursements for school construction projects. As a regional school district, Chariho’s base rate of state housing aid reimbursement is 61%, compared with the base district rate of 35%.
State Statutes and Regulations – Rhode Island requirements, regulations, and guidance related to school construction.
Necessity of School Construction – This process is required to receive state housing aid for long-term planning of capital improvement and construction projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 22, 2026
The proposal would bring Chariho’s elementary students together at the current Charlestown Elementary School property in two buildings: one serving Pre-K through grade 1 and another serving grades 2–5. Fifth grade would return to the elementary setting.
The proposal addresses aging facilities while creating learning spaces designed around current educational needs. A shared campus offers opportunities for consistent access to programs, collaboration among staff, and more efficient use of facilities and resources.
Yes. The district evaluated renovation and additions to existing schools, construction of separate new schools, and a unified elementary campus. The first presentation delivered by the SLAM architecture firm and Colliers Project Management in fall of 2025 detailed estimates for the hard costs of each option in a comparison chart on page 44.
It is the proposed maximum bond principal authorization. Borrowing also involves interest. The financial information section shows preliminary repayment projections before and after state reimbursement.
The financing requires approval of at least 61% state reimbursement of eligible debt service. The rate could increase to 65% if additional incentives are approved. The higher rate is not guaranteed.
No. State aid reduces the local share. The remaining cost depends on eligible expenditures, approved reimbursement, interest rates, and repayment terms.
Individual impacts depend on the financing plan, each town’s share, and municipal tax information.
No. Images show conceptual designs prepared for the Stage II application. Further design development and required reviews would follow the necessary approvals.
It is Rhode Island’s process for reviewing school facility needs, proposed solutions, and eligibility for state construction aid. It includes planning, project approval, design review, and subsequent oversight. Submitting an application does not itself authorize borrowing or construction.
The proposed financing would not move forward under this referendum. The district would still need to address existing facility needs and determine its next steps.
Long-term Financial Planning and Impact
Chariho’s long-term facilities planning considers both the investment needed to improve our schools and the ongoing cost of operating and maintaining them. The proposed $116 million bond would support the Unified Elementary Campus and authorized improvements at the Switch Road Campus. Financial planning includes state reimbursement, the timing of borrowing, repayment options, existing debt retirement, and anticipated operating efficiencies. The financing requires approval of state aid covering at least 61% of eligible debt service, with the potential to increase to 65%. Final local costs will depend on approved reimbursement, borrowing terms, and actual project expenditures.
Preliminary financing projections prepared by Hilltop Securities on August 27, 2026:
| Financial information | 25-year borrowing option | 30-year borrowing option |
| Proposed bond principal | $116,000,000 | $116,000,000 |
| Assumed true interest cost | 4.65% | 4.82% |
| Total principal and interest before state aid | $210,350,111 | $230,360,611 |
| Projected local debt service after 61% reimbursement | $82,036,543 | $89,840,638 |
| Projected local debt service after 65% reimbursement | $73,622,539 | $80,626,214 |
“These figures represent total payments over the full repayment period, not annual costs or individual household tax impacts. Both scenarios assume two $58 million bond issues, in July 2027 and July 2029, with an initial three-year interest-only period for each issue. Projections use market conditions as of August 26, 2026, and are preliminary and subject to change. The 65% scenario depends on approval of additional state reimbursement.”
The shorter repayment option has a lower projected lifetime cost, while the longer option spreads repayment over more years. Neither should be presented as the final financing decision at this point. Review Financial Statement.
Submit A Question
Questions are submitted to the district for review and response. Submissions are not automatically published. Please do not include confidential student or personnel information.
No submitted question, response, name, email address, or other information shall be displayed publicly unless expressly approved by the District in writing. Recurring topics may be developed into general FAQ entries after district review, without publishing the original submission or identifying information.
Voter Information
RI Statewide General Election: Chariho Bond Referendum on the back of the ballot
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026
POLLS OPEN 7AM – 8PM
Early Voting from October 14, 2026 – November 2, 2026
Check your Town Hall for early voting hours and ballot drop-box location.
- Register to vote: Deadline is October 4, 2026
- Request a mail ballot: Deadline is October 13, 2026. A mail ballot can be mailed or deposited in a secure drop-box.
Early Voting locations, determined by your town of residence
Charlestown Board of Canvassers, (401) 364-1200
Richmond Board of Canvassers, (401) 539-9000, ext. 9
Hopkinton Board of Canvassers, 401-377-7777