Pawtucket City Council members are raising concerns about the potential financial implications of a proposed school construction project during their recent meeting. The council discussed the ongoing discussions within the school committee regarding the redesign of the Slater Bridal School and its potential conflation with broader school bonding and construction efforts.

The school committee had postponed a meeting that was expected to address these issues, leading the city council to push their discussions to a later date. During the latest school committee meeting, it was revealed that they plan to hold a special meeting next Tuesday to further explore the redesign and its connection to school construction funding. Council members expressed skepticism about the feasibility of pursuing both projects simultaneously, especially given the current financial strain on the city's budget, which recently saw a tax increase of 6.5% primarily due to school construction debt.

One council member highlighted the proposal to spend $1.1 million on a consultant to evaluate the possibility of building additional schools, questioning the wisdom of such an expenditure amid financial uncertainty. The council emphasized the need for clear communication and understanding between the school committee and city leadership, noting that educational processes should not be conflated with construction processes.

As the school committee prepares for its special meeting, council members are urging the public to stay informed about the discussions that could significantly impact the city's educational infrastructure and financial health. The council plans to revisit this topic in their next meeting, ensuring that the community remains engaged in the decision-making process.