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Council confirms members for new Warwick Public Schools Budget Commission
Summary
The council confirmed three appointees to the Warwick Public Schools Budget Commission: Ernest Almonte, David Champagne and Angela Murray. Members will receive a stipend and the commission will work with city and school staff to address the school budget situation.
The Warwick City Council confirmed three appointments to the newly created Warwick Public Schools Budget Commission, which the General Assembly authorized to review and advise on the school district’s fiscal condition.
Appointments and role: The council confirmed Ernest Almonte, David Champagne and Angela Murray to the commission. The commission is charged with reviewing the school budget, working with school committee and city staff, and delivering recommendations intended to stabilize the district’s finances.
Compensation and staffing: Council members discussed support and staffing for the commission. The mayor said members would receive a stipend of $250 per month, and administration officials said existing city staff—including the city controller and other department staff—would support the commission rather than creating new personnel lines.
Members’ remarks: Appointees described a collaborative approach. Ernest Almonte emphasized integrity, reliability and accountability as guiding principles. David Champagne and Angela Murray each noted they would work with the school committee, city staff and other stakeholders and that transparency and public engagement would be important to the commission’s work.
Next steps: The council voted to confirm the three nominees; the commission is expected to convene and begin work coordinating with city finance staff and the school committee to address budget deficits and produce recommendations for the council and public.
