Warwick School Committee Special Meeting 3/24/2026

The Warwick School Committee held a special meeting on March 24, 2026, primarily to discuss the Warwick Budget Commission's five-year Deficit Reduction Plan. The meeting featured extensive public comments and committee discussion focused on the financial challenges facing the Warwick Public Schools, including a structural deficit projected to reach nearly $8 million spread over five years. Executive Director Enos presented detailed budget figures, highlighting a $2.1 million shortfall for fiscal year 2026 and ongoing concerns about underfunding by the city, rising healthcare costs, and special education expenses. Committee members expressed frustration with the Budget Commission's role, noting the commission's deficit plan was imposed without full school committee approval and that the commission had not fulfilled statutory deadlines. Legal counsel clarified that the school committee was not required to take action on the plan, as approval rests with the state auditor. The discussion also touched on potential staffing and program cuts, capital improvement funding starting in fiscal year 2029, and the lack of enforcement mechanisms to compel city funding increases. No formal vote was taken during the meeting, but committee members voiced skepticism about the deficit plan and concerns about its impact on educational services and staff.