NORTH KINGSTOWN -- Voters here could soon be among the most informed in the state -- at least on the local level.

Last week, a group of parents released the answers to a lengthy School Committee questionnaire on their Web site, www.whatcheer.net/nksc.

Seven candidates answered 45 questions ranging from the budget to school leadership. The questionnaire team had planned to print a few copies of the 63-page questionnaire.

But when businessman Richard Shapiro read about the project, he had a better idea. He offered to print 5,000 copies of the questionnaire in tabloid form, and place them in well-traveled local stores such as Ryan's Market, Allie's Donuts and Dave's Marketplace.

He also convinced the Republican and Democratic parties to pay for half of the $1,000 cost. Shapiro, chairman of the town's asset management commission, wanted to pay the rest.

"The moment I saw the questionnaire, I thought this is good for the town," Shapiro said. Shapiro, who sports both Republican and Democratic signs on his lawn, said the nonpartisan questionnaire answered many of the questions he had about the school candidates and their views.

Shapiro's company, Special Delivery, distributes free publications for 55 large and small companies. "I'm in a unique position to do this," he said.

"This project has really taken on a life of its own," said Marion Holland, one of the parents who created the questionnaire.

In fact, residents are now asking when the team will create a second questionnaire -- one for the Town Council race, said team member Tom Sgouros.

It's a good question, said Sgouros. "Stay tuned."