Newport committee confronts $882,000 electricity forecast at Rogers High; freezes nonessential spending

The Newport School Committee pressed staff for more detail on the district’s budget after finance officials reported a large jump in electricity costs tied to the new all‑electric Rogers High School and related accounting for an energy rebate.

Finance Director Mr. Gonzales told the committee that, with current invoices, the district’s electricity expense could reach roughly $882,000 for the year and that Rogers alone shows a gross figure that staff described as substantially higher than the budgeted line. “You have approximately now that we have the total spend $882,000. That’s just Rogers,” Mr. Gonzales said.

Why it matters: The committee is preparing a budget request to the city while managing an ongoing deficit and outstanding remediation invoices for an asbestos cleanup. Higher utilities and rising special‑education costs mean fewer discretionary dollars; several members said the district must demonstrate careful stewardship before asking the city for more funding.

Discussion and response Members pressed staff on the drivers behind the numbers, whether the district had applied available rebates correctly and whether capital fixes such as on‑site solar could lower long‑term operating costs. “We run about $65,000 a month electric bill down there,” Dr. Power said, urging the committee and city to consider using traffic‑camera revenue to fund solar panels at Rogers High School.

Other members pushed immediate cost controls. Mrs. Bowen introduced a motion to limit expenditures to essential items for the remainder of the school year; Mr. Leary successfully amended it to freeze “all non‑essential spending.” The amended motion passed on a voice vote after members requested a clearer administrative definition of “essential.”

Budget draft defeated The committee then considered the FY2027 draft budget presented by Director Gonzales, which listed energy, out‑of‑district placements and substitutes as major cost drivers. After discussion the committee did not accept the draft; a motion to approve the budget as presented failed on a 3–4 vote. Members asked administration to return with more detailed, line‑by‑line backup and clearer explanations of staffing proposals before any renewed council presentation.

Next steps Administration will produce the requested line‑item detail and investigate the electricity and rebate accounting; the committee authorized an RFP for an independent staffing and financial audit to help determine whether the district’s cost drivers reflect funding shortfalls or internal choices. The committee also asked staff to explore potential solar funding options and report back.