Warwick Mayor Proposes School Finance Oversight Panel

Warwick Mayor Frank J. Picozzi has proposed the creation of a five-member budget commission to manage the city's school district finances. This move comes in response to a recently revealed $9 million deficit. Picozzi, who was just re-elected for a four-year term, wants to appoint three members with City Council approval, while the Warwick schools superintendent and the Warwick School Committee chairman would each appoint one member. The Warwick City Council is set to vote on this proposal on Wednesday. However, Warwick School Committee Chairman Shaun Galligan opposes the idea. He argues that the proposal is unnecessary and could disrupt efforts to resolve the district's financial challenges. The school committee has already taken steps like freezing discretionary spending and implementing line-item reductions. They are also developing a five-year fiscal plan to be presented publicly by February 28. Picozzi believes that the proposed cuts by school officials are not enough to close the budget gap. He is concerned that some of the proposed solutions, like delaying pension payments, are just kicking the can down the road. The mayor has spoken to House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi about the proposed state legislation and is aware that the teachers union is lobbying against it. The proposed budget commission would have the power to amend, formulate, and execute the annual school budget, implement uniform budget guidelines, and compel audits. Within 120 days, the commission would need to develop a three-year operating and capital financial plan. However, the commission would not have the power to alter collective bargaining agreements, hire or terminate personnel, or affect bond-funded projects. In 2022, Warwick voters approved a $350 million borrowing plan to build two new high schools. However, the rising costs of materials and labor have made it difficult to replace Toll Gate and Pilgrim high schools within that budget. Robert Cushman, a former Warwick School Committee and City Council member, believes the $9 million deficit could lead to future tax increases. He favors using existing state laws for budget oversight but opposes Picozzi's proposal as it gives the mayor too much power. Cushman has filed a complaint with the Attorney General's office alleging that the Warwick School Committee violated the state Open Meetings Act by discussing the fiscal year 2024 and 2025 school budgets in executive session.