Warwick School Committee Trims $20,000 as Town Nears Levy Limit

WARWICK -- March 11, 2026, Warwick School Committee trims $20,000 from FY27 budget as town runs above Proposition 2½ levy limit. School Business Administrator Matt Bobola and Superintendent Carol Leonard Miller presented two cuts at the March 11 meeting: a $14,000 reduction to the middle-high school tuition line after a student roster audit, and a $6,000 cut to the elementary contingency fund. Town finance director Diana told the committee that even after the school-side trim, the municipality remains approximately $60,000 above its levy limit, and she could not rule out a second, smaller request before the May town meeting. State revenues are projected down roughly $48,000 year over year, with a charter reimbursement drop from $67,000 to $49,000 partly offset by $43,000 in first-year school choice receipts. The committee also confirmed tentative plans for interim superintendent finalist interviews on March 25 at 3 p.m., targeting a hire vote at the April 8 meeting, and scheduled a public budget hearing for March 18 at 6:30 p.m.