Burrillville School Committee approves 31 nonrenewals as district awaits budget clarity

The Burrillville School Committee on April 8 approved nonrenewal notices for 31 non‑tenured staff as the district faces budget uncertainty, and approved several other personnel actions including a leave of absence and a retirement.

Superintendent Dr. Salito told the committee the nonrenewals are a precautionary measure tied to uncertainty about next year’s budget. "This is the worst part of the job of a school superintendent," he said, adding the district plans to recall as many teachers as possible once final budget decisions are made. He said the proposed budget would eliminate 10 teaching positions but that retirements and movement may mean the actual number of impacted employees could be far smaller.

The committee approved a leave of absence for Talia Lynch, health technology teacher at Austin T. Levy, effective Aug. 25, 2025, through Nov. 18, 2025. The committee also approved the retirement of Lisa Scottie Johnson, special education teacher at Burrillville High School, effective Aug. 22, 2025; Johnson was described in the meeting as having 36 years of service.

The board approved the resignations of Natalie Bellino (National Junior Honor Society, Burrillville Middle), Kyle Benoit (information systems analyst), and Edward Dunn (special education teacher, Burrillville High), all with the effective dates noted in the agenda.

Dr. Salito said the district historically recalls many nonrenewed teachers once the budget is finalized and indicated recalls typically occur after an approved budget, sometimes in June. He estimated that, with the planned elimination of 10 positions, the final impact might be limited to "potentially 4 or 5 people at most," but said specific positions affected will depend on final enrollment and course selections.

Motions on the personnel items were made by committee member Donison and seconded by Sylvia unless otherwise noted; each was approved on voice vote with no recorded dissents.

The committee also moved to "receive and file with subsequent appointments," preserving the option to appoint replacements or recall staff after budget adoption.

The committee heard questions from members about classroom coverage following vacancies; a committee member asked whether someone was in the classroom for the special education vacancy effective March 31, and staff confirmed the position was filled.

Ending: The superintendent said he will continue outreach to the town manager and the committee as budget discussions proceed and will notify the committee of recall actions when the FY26 budget becomes final.