Committee Cuts FY25 Warwick Schools Deficit to $3M

The vote was unanimous, 5 to 0.

Warwick Schools Deficit recent cuts

When they started Tuesday, the deficit had already been reduced to $5.7 million after the committee cut $2.8 million at their Jan. 28 meeting. That night the School Committee voted to cut four vacant custodial and maintenance positions, but shying away from cutting seven maintenance positions and five clerical positions, a possible $366, 219 in savings. The Committee also declined to cut 11 teaching assistants, a possible $183, 333 in savings for the district, following vocal opposition from teachers.

Tuesday’s new reductions included pension contribution reductions for FY’24 at $1,443,152 million and pension FY’25 round two at $776, 601. Another $84, 582 for vacant position was cut, as were $296,000 for budget managers.

“We know we’re over budget,” said Director of Finance Brandon Bohl. “We know we’re significantly over budget on personnel.”

Bohl noted a current unfunded pension liability of $970,000 – an amount which would continue to grow with shortfalls in spending.

Committee member David Testa warned of the school department having to make a much larger pension contribution in the future. That amount would be $3.5 million.

“If we decide not to make the (pension contributions), we’re married to the $3.5 million for FY’26,” Testa noted. 

Darlene Netcoh, President of the Warwick Teachers’ Union, asked the school department to properly fund the pensions.

“That is one of the only pensions in the state that had been properly funded, so stop playing games with it,” Netcoh said.

On Jan. 22, the City Council approved asking the General Assembly to approve the appointment of a budget commission to take control of the district’s finances. Warwick School Committee Chairman Shaun Galligan has said the Committee is likely to resolve the entire deficit before the budget commission can be approved and established later this month.

Committee eliminates 2024 Final Rule Title IX Policy

The committee also voted 5 to 0 to eliminate the 2024 Final Rule Title IX Policy.

The policy reads in part: “Warwick Public Schools shall provide a Notice of Nondiscrimination to students; parents, guardians, or other authorized legal representatives; employees; applicants for employment; and all unions holding collective bargaining agreements with Warwick Public Schools.  The Warwick Public Schools Notice of Nondiscrimination shall be published on its website and in each handbook, catalog, announcement, bulletin, and application form that it makes available to the previously listed individuals/entities entitled to notice.  

Warwick Public Schools adopts the following Notice of Nondiscrimination:

Warwick Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination including transgender, gender non-conforming, and transitioning students in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including access to educational opportunities and employment.”

On Jan. 31, the U.S. Department of Education announced it would return to enforcing the 2020 Title IX protections on the basis of biological sex in schools and on campuses.

“I’m a firm believer in what’s legal is legal or what is the law is the law,” Committee chair Shaun Galligan said. “We passed the policy to be in compliance with what the law was and in the past couple of weeks we have to change up how we operate.”

Artificial intelligence policy first-read

The committee also had a first read of an Artificial Intelligence use policy, which read in part: “Instructional Support – AI may be used to support individualized learning, provide adaptive learning experiences, and enhance classroom instruction. Educators may use AI to help identify student learning needs, provide timely feedback, and recommend resources for personalized education.

Administrative Efficiency – AI may be used to streamline administrative tasks such as scheduling, transportation logistics, attendance monitoring, and resource allocation. These uses reduce administrative burden and enhance operational efficiency without compromising student privacy. 

Student Assessment and Feedback – AI tools may be used to provide automated feedback on assignments, monitor student progress, and support formative assessments. However, AI-generated assessments must be reviewed by educators to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.”

The full meeting video can be viewed on the district’s You Tube channel.

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.