STATE HOUSE — The Senate today passed legislation introduced by Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) that would allow the city to create a Warwick Schools Budget Commission.
The bill (2025-S 0242) would allow the city of Warwick to create a five-member commission to oversee the operations of Warwick Public Schools and present a preliminary analysis of the school district’s financial situation.
The enabling legislation was requested by a resolution of the Warwick City Council, after Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi first proposed the commission upon learning that the school district faced a surprise midyear $9 million deficit.
“It’s particularly important because we’re at a critical time in the city of Warwick,” said Senator McKenney. “We’re in the midst of an attempt to replace both our high schools, and we really cannot jeopardize our city’s ability to obtain bonds at a reasonable rate. This is a temporary commission whose existence will end with the approval of the 2025-26 school budget, and the adoption of the deficit reduction plan as approved by the auditor general.”
The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, which passed identical legislation (2025-H 5252A) introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston).
Warwick Schools Budget Commission request followed $9M deficit
The enabling legislation was requested by a resolution of the Warwick City Council Jan. 22, after Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi first proposed the commission upon learning that the school district faced a surprise midyear $9 million deficit.
“It’s the clear duty of the General Assembly to make sure the people of Rhode Island have access to the opportunities of a good education,” said Representative McNamara, who chairs the House Education Committee. “When a school district is undergoing financial distress, as is happening with the Warwick School District, then it’s imperative that the General Assembly do what it can to ensure that these financial difficulties do not in any way endanger the ability of the school district to educate the children of Warwick. This budget commission will have the authority to approve all expenditures of Warwick Public Schools.”
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. In fact, the Committee has so far reduced its projected budget deficit to $3.1 million, as of Feb. 11.
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.
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