Farfatan parents challenge budget increase amid school closures and staffing cuts

The Tiverton Town Council convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss pressing issues regarding the local school budget and staffing changes. The meeting highlighted concerns over a proposed 4% budget increase amidst recent school closures and staff reductions.

The discussion opened with council members expressing frustration over the budget increase, particularly in light of the closure of an elementary school that was expected to yield savings. One council member articulated their difficulty in supporting the 4% increase, questioning how the budget could rise when the school was closed to save money. This sentiment was echoed by others who felt that the financial decisions made did not align with the expected outcomes.

Concerns were raised about the reduction of 22 staff positions, with members acknowledging the impact on both students and remaining staff. The conversation shifted to the necessity of these cuts, with some members arguing that a decrease in student enrollment justified the reduction in teaching staff. However, the expectation for visible savings from these cuts was a point of contention.

The council reviewed the overall budget, noting that despite cuts, the salary line items continued to rise due to contractual obligations, including step increases for teachers. Members expressed a desire for transparency regarding the staffing changes, requesting detailed data on who was laid off and subsequently rehired.

As the meeting progressed, the council discussed the implications of rising costs in various areas, including transportation and health insurance, which contributed to the budgetary pressures. The need for additional revenue sources was emphasized, with suggestions to potentially reallocate funds to capital projects in future discussions.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the Tiverton school system, balancing budgetary constraints with the need to provide quality education. The council plans to continue addressing these issues, with a focus on transparency and accountability in future budget discussions.