Tiverton school committee approves layoffs of 12 staff, eliminates one vacant position to help balance FY26 request

The Tiverton School Committee voted to approve layoffs affecting 12 employees and to eliminate one open position as part of efforts to balance its FY26 budget request.

Dr. Cenkioni, the district administrator presenting the recommendation, told the committee the list before members would require layoffs to reach the budget number the committee plans to request from the town. He said the list reflects seniority and certification rules and that some positions were affected by “bumping” when staff move between roles. He said the list includes current employees and noted three retirements that will offset some costs.

The action grew out of the administration’s effort to reduce personnel costs in the proposed FY26 appropriation. Committee members asked for clarifications during discussion: one member pointed out that two recently hired staff—a special educator and a social worker—had been hired “a couple of weeks ago,” and asked why they were being laid off. Dr. Cenkioni replied those hires replaced staff who took jobs in other districts and that new hires had been told there was the potential for layoff. Members also asked whether a librarian or band teacher being listed would leave programs empty; the administration said in those cases another qualified employee would “bump into” the position so the role itself would remain filled.

Committee members also asked whether the vacant Ranger School position proposed for elimination was a classroom teacher; the administration replied it was a part-time teaching assistant position.

A motion “to accept Dr. Cenkioni’s recommendations on layoffs of 12 employees and the elimination of one open position” was made and seconded. The committee approved the motion. The superintendent said final decisions and specifics will be worked out with union leadership (NEA and Council 94) and noted the layoffs alone do not entirely resolve the budget shortfall.

Implementation follow-up: the administration said it will work with NEA and Council 94 leadership on final allocations and noted retirements on the list that reduce net cost. No additional actions or appeal rights were specified in the meeting record.

Less-critical details: the motion was offered “with regret,” and committee members discussed personnel bumping rules and staff assignments at individual schools.