Tiverton School District faces enrollment decline and potential school consolidations

The Tiverton School Committee convened on January 28, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding declining student enrollment and its implications for the district's budget and staffing. The meeting highlighted a significant trend affecting not only Tiverton but also many districts across Rhode Island and New England, where student populations have been steadily decreasing.

During the meeting, it was reported that Tiverton's enrollment has dropped to 1,520 students, a decrease of approximately 40 students from the previous year. This decline is part of a broader pattern, with many neighboring districts experiencing similar reductions—Bristol Warren down 19%, Portsmouth down 14%, and Middletown down 18%. The superintendent emphasized that this trend is not unique to Tiverton, indicating a systemic issue affecting educational institutions in the region.

The implications of this enrollment decline are profound, particularly concerning staffing and budgetary constraints. The superintendent noted that maintaining the current structure of three elementary schools would require cutting 12 positions, including essential staff such as specialists and teachers. Conversely, consolidating to two elementary schools could necessitate a different set of cuts, totaling 14 positions, primarily teaching roles. This situation presents a challenging dilemma for the committee, as they must balance the need for educational quality with fiscal responsibility.

The discussion also touched on the district's ongoing structural deficit, which has been a concern for several years. The committee previously voted to deplete their fund balance to mitigate cuts for the current fiscal year, but the superintendent warned that without significant changes, the district would face unavoidable reductions in services for the next fiscal year.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to review personnel impacts and explore options for school configurations at their next meeting. The superintendent urged committee members to consider the welfare of all students in their decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of providing quality education despite the financial challenges.

As the committee prepares for future discussions, the overarching theme remains clear: the need for strategic planning in response to declining enrollment and its financial repercussions is critical for the sustainability of Tiverton's educational system. The next meeting on February 11 will further delve into these issues, providing an opportunity for the committee to gather more data and make informed decisions for the benefit of the community's students.