Chafee School Aid Plan Would Reduce Bristol-Warren Share By $740K
The local school district's share of state aid would be cut again — what do you think?
As part of his $8.17 billion state budget proposal, Gov. Lincoln Chafee's suggested formula for state aid to public schools would reduce the payment to Bristol-Warren School District by about $740,000.
The reduction is part of a 10-year program of reducing state aid to districts with lower enrollments or fewer numbers of low-income students than other communities, the Providence Journal reported.
In fiscal 2012, the two-town district collected $17,832,370 in state aid; Chafee is proposing a line item of $17,092,785 for the next fiscal year.
Bristol and Warren provide a combined $33.4 million toward the local school department.
Last year, Warren officials cited the loss in state aid and the continuing economic downturn for their vote to level-fund the town's $11.75 million contribution to the district.
Voters at the May 21, 2012, Warren Town Meeting approved the council's plan, leading the school committee to file suit against the town in September.
What do you think?
What would another reduction in state aid to Bristol-Warren Schools mean for you?
Should the towns prepare to raise taxes to make up the difference — or is cost-cutting by the school department the answer?
Have your say in the comments below.
Bob Venice
1:24 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
The Citizens of Warren can not afford a tax increase for school funding, nor it seems can the School Department slash funds. The State Officials started the problem when they went back on their word as to the millions we were to receive from the State of Rhode Island to defrey the cost. Looking into want it would take to deregionalize the school system, and find out,how much the Town if Warren would then get in funds from the State . We can no longer keep up with what the people from Bristol can pay toward the schools. They have many more taxpayers, and their average income is much higher then Warren's. Nothing against Bristol, nor the School Deparment, but it is becoming to much of a tax burden on the citizens of Warren.
Gary Morse
4:57 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Bob,
Residents have to come to terms with the reality that these will soon be looked back on as "the good old days". This is just the start.
Voter indifference is the problem.
Still Broke
9:59 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Indifference or helplessness? I vote in every election but form talking to others who don't I get the sense they feel elections are already decided before anyone votes. They say that the unions send out letters telling their members how to vote. Then, when the unions' politicians get in, they do what the unions want them to do because if they don't, someone else will get the unions' support in the next election.
I vote every time hoping to prove my friends wrong. So far, their theory seems right. Sad to say.
Kevin
9:00 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Let's stay on point about the funds. Clearly it will take a combination of all factors. We need to cut a bit and raise a little more to see what we need to keep and where we can save. I don't think deregionalizing will help at this late date, but I could be wrong. And hey, if you have a beef with a person or group like union, put that where it belongs and a t least put your name. There's always somebody looking to blame others for an issue.
dave
7:53 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
More brilliant answers. The town with no money and highest property taxes in the East Bay in going to somehow find money to stand on their own by bringing more moochers which in turn will bring more state aid. Great plan. Better call washington for more free money they have been printing.
On the unions. Yea, don't criticize without your name and address. The union thug, or so-called leaders, need to know where to send their hentchmen. It is over as far as elections go. The game is rigged, the table is tilted and the results are already been set in stone. See BCWA.
Warren needs to be the parent in the room and hold the budget, 90% which goes to teacher and administration salary, healthcare and benefits, to a level funding. Oh yea I forgot, the brave retired teachers on the school committee need to raise your taxes for the children.