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Council urges voters to consider $71 million school bond referendum at field house; officials stress state reimbursement and long-term costs if deferred
Summary
Councilors previewed a $71 million school bond referendum to appear on ballots Oct. 8, emphasizing state reimbursement of about 68.3% and warning that postponing work could increase future costs and threaten school capacity planning tied to mandatory pre-K and moving fifth grade back to elementary schools.
Town and school officials urged West Warwick voters to consider a $71 million school building bond referendum scheduled for Oct. 8 and held at the Civic Center field house, 100 Factory St., from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Council members and the school building committee described the referendum as a package of projects affecting every school building and focused primarily on addressing overcrowding, preparing for mandatory prekindergarten and moving fifth grade out of the middle school back to neighborhood elementary schools. Councilors said the package was developed after multiple committee meetings and refinement to prioritize safety and capacity needs.
Town staff told the council the proposed bond package would be eligible for a significant state reimbursement — about 68.3% of eligible costs under the state’s school construction program — lowering the town’s net share of the capital cost. Councilors and staff emphasized that the reimbursement opportunity makes this moment financially advantageous, and that deferring projects would likely raise costs in future years. “If this bond goes down and we move forward with these projects over the next 10 years, I can guarantee it’s gonna cost us 3 times as much,” one councilor said in urging support.
Several councilors acknowledged public concerns about taxes and stressed they would not seek tax increases above their self-imposed 4% cap in future budgets; they urged voters to weigh near-term tax impacts against the escalating cost of delayed capital work and the operational need to house prekindergarten. Officials noted that some project elements — accessibility upgrades, roof and window replacements, and classroom additions — are near-term maintenance and safety priorities.
Ending: The council reiterated that the referendum is for Oct. 8 and encouraged voters to review materials and visit the field house polling location; officials said detailed project lists and state reimbursement estimates are available through the school building committee and town offices.
