CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
JOINT MEETING WITH THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
RE: SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGET
MONDAY,
7:30 P.M.
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Monday, January 25, 1993, and is called to order at 7:32 P.M. by Mayor Rolland R. Grant.
Present
Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.
Gerald R. Lynch
Norman J. Miranda
Robert D. Sullivan
Rolland R. Grant Mayor
Council Members
Paul E. Lemont, City Manager
William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor
Valerie A. Perry, City Clerk
School Committee
William Maaia, Chairman
John Goodwin
Maria Pinheiro
Solomon Solomon
Nancy Stevens
School Department Budget
School Committee Chairman, William Maaia, addresses the audience and speaks on the School Department deficit, and explains why the additional funding is needed.
Superintendent of Schools, John De Goes, speaks on the School Department budget and states that the School Department did not choose to go to the Commissioner of Education because they are cognizant of the difficult times we face. He says he believed there would be an accommodation with the teachers, but that did not materialize. He states that the central office administrators received no salary increase this year, for a budget savings of $50,000. He mentions other cuts that have been made, bringing the shortfall down to $1.2 million.
He states the possible courses of action are to 1) ask the Commissioner for $1.6 million; 2) ask the City for a $1.2 million appropriation; 3) finish the school year and go for as long as possible next school year, then close the schools when the money runs out; or 4) continue to work as they are to reduce $1.2 million to the lowest possible figure. He says the body can come together again during the summer and if there is still a shortage, the School Department will look to the City Council to take care of the shortage.
City Manager, Paul E. Lemont, makes a presentation of the City budget. He states that because of property devaluation, there was a loss of revenue.
The meeting recesses at 8:50 P.M. and reconvenes at 9:00 P.M. with all Council members and School Committee members present.
A discussion follows and both sides agree that the legislators need to be aware that the property tax can no longer fund education. It is also mentioned that the State mandates should be funded by the State.
Mr. Maaia says he wants to establish a sub-committee for financial review and an evaluation of all positions in the system.
Meeting is adjourned at 9:55 P.M. on motion of Mr. Lynch, seconded by Mr. Sullivan.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry
City Clerk
Approved: 2/16/93