Tiverton Town Council hears budget request amid Fort Barton closure concerns

Concerns over transparency and budget increases dominated the Tiverton Town Council meeting on May 5, 2025, as community members voiced their frustrations regarding the proposed closure of Fort Barton Elementary School. One resident passionately criticized the council, claiming that the decision to close the school was made without adequate input from teachers, parents, or the public. "I still don't believe Fort Barton should be closed," the resident stated, emphasizing a lack of transparency in the decision-making process.

The discussion highlighted a growing trend of declining student enrollment, with some council members attributing this to the increasing availability of alternative education options, such as homeschooling and charter schools. "Parents are opting for some of those other alternatives," one member noted, suggesting that the issue extends beyond local decisions and reflects broader educational trends across Rhode Island and the nation.

In addition to the school closure debate, the council reviewed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request, which includes a 3.55% increase in town appropriations, amounting to $1,195,167. However, concerns were raised about the actual tax impact, with one council member clarifying that the increase would effectively be 4% due to local taxation. The budget request also includes $312,065 for technology and textbooks, amidst ongoing layoffs and the closure of an elementary school.

As the meeting concluded, the implications of these discussions were clear: the community is grappling with significant changes in education and budgetary constraints, raising questions about the future of local schools and the council's commitment to transparency. The council's next steps will be closely watched as residents seek clarity and accountability in these critical decisions.