Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

West Warwick Town Manager James Thomas is calling for a takeover of the School Department's finances.

At tonight's Town Council meeting, Thomas will propose a resolution to evoke Section 508 of the town's charter, and Title 16 in R.I. law, that he says gives him the authority to take control of the school department's budget if it's not balanced.

Both measures say that school committees are required to operate with a balance budget. The School Department has been wrestling with a $3.5 million deficit since last May. The school board last month authorized its board lawyer to sue the town under so-called "Caruolo action," which forces towns to give school departments more appropriations.

"What I am asking for is the authority to manage the labor negotiations and the business side of the schools. They have been negligent with their responsibilities. Some of the measures that will be discussed tonight are unprecedented," Thomas said today. "After two dozen conversations with the schools...we have to start looking out for the best interest of West Warwick."

Some council members are a bit rankled about the manager's last-minute press conference, called Monday at noon, announcing his plans to evoke law without council consent.

"That press conference was a surprise to the majority of the council. The Town Manager is interpreting this [Section] 508 as if he has the ultimate authority to take over the school district. I don't agree," said Councilman Edward Giroux, who did not make the press conference. "It's a double-edge sword. The message was on track, but it is the Town Council that runs the town, not the town managers. Let him not overstep his responsibility."

Also at tonight's meeting, Thomas will unveil a plan to address the municipal side deficit of $1.3 million, its reduction in state-aid. Thomas's proposal would call for re-opening of the teachers' contract to renegotiate health benefits, and possibly layoffs in municipal departments, but he did not specify.

"We have no other choice, but it's going to be a three-pronged approach with dealing with the recommended cuts in state aid that Governor Carcieri announced,'' Thomas said.

A letter went home to teachers this week urging many to come to tonight's meeting with family and friends to show support for the teachers. As many as 500 people are expected to attend tonight's meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at West Warwick High School on Weber Knight Drive.

 Tags  budgets deficit West Warwick

Comments

Michael R iley said:

Council Members should remember that 500 people whining in a town hall is insignificant and irrelevant in the decision making process.A few hundred selfish union members are meaningless in a town of 30,000 people. These people work for us, the taxpayer. If they had any brains, they would propose across the board pay freezes and a stepped up co-pay. They should eliminate step up salaries and/or colas .The unions should not let the younger members go, but they will.. Alas , unions will do what they always do. They will threaten to eliminate music or sports or art. They dont have to , they just want to. To punish you for having the nerve to ask them to cut back in hard times. Dont back down people !!!... stand up for your rights refuse to sign any agreements that dont involve across the board school pay cuts.
MG Riley

Link | February 3, 2009 6:21 PM
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Dan said:

Is Mr. Thomas tripping or what? Last week it was "burning" about the unfunded Station settlement and now this. Didn't he check with his bosses, i.e. the Town Council? Has he looked at State law? What an ego powertripper!

Link | February 3, 2009 8:06 PM
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Mike said:

Its about time. The school department is way beyond control. Its time someone stood up to them

Link | February 3, 2009 11:11 PM
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