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3/27/2025
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General Assembly OKs bill that would allow Warwick to create a school budget commission
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STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today passed legislation introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) and Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) that would create a budget commission for Warwick Public Schools.
The bill (2025-H 5252A, 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.
“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 it’s children. This budget commission will have the authority to approve all expenditures of Warwick Public Schools.”
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 governor’s office.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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