At the rate things are going, the school system has become a country club and the municipal side of this town which has been neglected far too long is becoming a third world country.””

Councilor David Paull

Tiverton Town Council members harshly criticized the school committee and the superintendent of schools Monday night for what they said were ill-considered fiscal decisions, including a pattern of overspending and using one-time funds for long-term needs, that could force the closure of the Fort Barton School, and which they believe will ultimately result in dire consequences for taxpayers.

Councilors answered questions from parents who made it clear they are still reeling from Superintendent Peter Sanchioni’s recommendation to the school committee two weeks ago that drastic staff reductions district-wide, or the closure of Fort Barton, are two options that must be considered to resolve a projected $4.8 million budget deficit. 

Who decides?

The school committee makes the final decision regarding shutting down the school, said council president Denise deMedeiros.   

“They have the final say, and we can’t do anything about it.”

deMedeiros said taxpayers originally approved $30 million in bonds for construction of three new elementary schools because they felt strongly that small neighborhood schools – rather than one giant mega-school – would be best for students.

“I believe this community still wants three schools,” she said. “It was very clear [years ago] and I don’t think it’s changed. And I think the school committee needs to listen.”

The rumors circulating in town that the school, if vacant, could eventually be turned into affordable housing are accurate. Town Solicitor Mike Marcello confirmed the state had that right, although the town would continue to be responsible for payments on bonds that were originally issued in 2008 for construction of the school. A 35 percent annual reimbursement to the town from the state would be suspended if the school is closed, resulting in a loss to the town of up to $1 million. The bonds, which were refinanced in 2017, will expire in 2028.

Council members made it clear that another rumor circulating in town – that $3 million in casino funds received annually by the town could be used to solve the school district’s budget crisis – is absolutely out of the question. The funds are designated specifically for one-time capital expenditures, they said not for operational expenses or for bridging budget gaps.

Municipal versus school department needs

Councilors emphasized that any concessions on the town’s part to help resolve the school budget crisis would negatively impact municipal operations. 

“The municipal side will suffer and that’s not fair,” said deMedeiros. “I don’t think it’s fair for our town employees – the fire, police, and DPW – to once again say, ‘oops, the School Committee did this so we are not going to give you what you deserve.”

“When they talk about closing a school, it’s ultimately not going to save anyone who pays taxes in this town any dollars, because it just shifts the burden from the school side onto the municipal side,” said councilor John G. Edward V.

Councilor David Paull was more graphic:

“At the rate things are going, the school system has become a country club and the municipal side of this town which has been neglected far too long is becoming a third world country.”

Other recommendations

Town administrator Chris Cotta is advocating for what he calls a “full-throated” public hearing to explore all of the ramifications of the closing of Fort Barton – a proposal he referred to as ludicrous.

“The taxpayers have been faithfully paying these bonds, supporting the school system, only to have your school administration and your elected school officials to just toss it away like trash? I am so disappointed in what’s going on here. All it’s going to do is put the burden on the town side of the budget.”