Report: Westerly Schools Must Fill $1 Million Budget Gap

WESTERLY, RI — The Westerly School Committee must fill a $1 million budget gap before July 1.

The Town Council this year declined to fund the committee's full budget request, and expected cuts in state aid only added to the problem.

The School Committee had sought a 2021-2022 budget of $1,610,958 but the council approved just an $600,000 increase. State aid is estimated to decrease by $220,095. The combination left the school district with a $1,004,778 deficit, The Westerly Sun reports.

Last week the School Committee approved a net reduction in spending of $77,095. They cut $121,194 for a new HVAC technician and $47,871 for a part-time talent acquisition and compliance specialist. The committee added $89,466 for certain required items concerning insurance, benefits for retirees, and a student assistance contract.

Superintendent Mark Garceau said administrators will be working in earnest to develop proposals for closing the deficit, the Sun reports. That might mean potential staffing reductions and a closer look at whether federal pandemic relief funds can be used to help fill the gap.

The district must issue layoff notices by June 1. The budget is required by state law to be in balance by July 1, the first day of the next fiscal year.

Garceau did not immediately respond to a request from Patch for comment and an update on his efforts.

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