What To Know About South Kingstown's May 4 Bond Vote

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Voting is underway for South Kingstown's May 4 special bond referendum. Residents will go to the polls to determine whether to approve an $85 million bond to pay for school facilities.

Bond overview

If approved, the largest chunk of the funding will go towards Curtis Corner Middle School, which would be renovated and expanded to become the new site of the town's high school. This project is projected to cost about $59 million.

With the high school in the middle school facility, about $24 million of the bond would then be used to expand and renovate Broad Rock School, making it a "true middle school," the town said, to serve students in grades six through 8.

Finally, $1.6 million would be used for elementary schools, to add Fifth Grade and provide investments for systems improvements and renovating spaces including libraries, media centers and maker centers.

To help pay for the massive project, the town applied for a partial reimbursement grant from the Rhode Island Department of Education. If approved, it would cover just under $54 million, leaving the town to foot about $63 million in total costs. The projects would only move forward if the reimbursement was approved by the state, the town said.

Voting information

The deadline already passed to apply for a mail ballot. Completed mail ballots can be delivered to the drop box at the town hall or mailed to the state Board of Elections.

Early, in-person voting is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the communications building of the town hall, until May 3. Voters must bring a photo ID and wear a mask while inside the building.

On Election Day, there will be three polling places:

• South Kingstown High School Cafeteria: 215 Columbia St., Wakefield (use the School Street entrance)
• West Kingston Elementary School: 3119 Ministerial Rd., West Kingston
• Matunuck Elementary School: 380 Matunuck Beach Rd., Wakefield

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can cast their ballots at any of the three locations.

Call the Town Clerk's Office at 401-789-9331 extension 1231 with any questions, or read more on the town's website.