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Pawtucket committee gives FY27 budget first passage after heated debate on city contribution
Summary
After extended debate, the Pawtucket School Committee gave first passage to its FY27 budget request on March 24. Member Omar Reyes urged a $2 million city contribution increase to avoid layoffs; the committee approved the first-passage motion and pledged follow-up advocacy with the mayor and council.
The Pawtucket School Committee approved first passage of its FY27 budget request on March 24 after a lengthy debate about the sufficiency of the district's ask to the city. Motion for first passage was made by James Shal and seconded by Matthew Wildenhane and was carried on roll call.
Committee member Omar Reyes delivered a forceful floor speech urging a larger city contribution, saying the district faces a historic deficit that could require closing schools and laying off educators unless the city steps up. Reyes called for a minimum $2 million increase from the city and argued that underfunding would worsen class sizes and student services. Several other members urged continued outreach to the mayor and city council and noted staff would continue to press for additional funding.
The vote on first passage was procedural (to forward the budget request to the mayor and city council); the superintendent and committee members said they would continue to press for additional resources during the mayoral and council budget processes. Committee members also discussed the possible use of one-time surplus funds and other internal savings but emphasized those are insufficient to cover recurring gaps without further city support.
The committee did not finalize reductions or layoffs at the March 24 session; members asked staff to provide more detailed breakouts and to continue advocacy with municipal leaders.
