There is a monster problem at the state level. They are treating Tiverton as though it is a wealthy community. We are not.”

John G. Edwards V, Tiverton Town Council

State education aid to the Town of Tiverton is projected to drop by 18.1 percent — $1.2 million — for fiscal year 2025, representing the largest cut of any municipality in the state. If approved, the town will receive $5.7 million in aid in the coming year, versus $6.9 million for the current 2023-24 fiscal year.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the numbers last week. Ever since, Tiverton’s political leaders have been in a state of disbelief.

State Representative John G. Edwards IV (D-District 70) called Tiverton’s numbers “unfathomable.”

“The vast majority of cities and towns got an increase. It’s absurd. Barrington — they are a lot more affluent than we are here in Tiverton, and they are getting more money. It just boggles the mind.”

Edwards said Tiverton’s decrease is attributable to three factors: A decline in enrollment, a decrease in out-of-district placements and a decrease in the poverty level in town. The last item, he said, is based on overall property values in town, which have increased dramatically since the pandemic.

He also referenced concerns about proposed new housing developments, which are currently under consideration by the planning board.

“Two or three years from now, the town is going to experience a massive spike in growth, with all the developments coming.”

If ultimately approved, he said the new projects could bring as many as 500 new students to the district.

Edwards intends to use these projected enrollment numbers as a strategy to get the state to enact a “hold harmless” policy with Tiverton, which would justify an adjustment to the proposed numbers.

In email communications with Town Administrator Chris Cotta, OMB Director Brian Daniels’ explanation for the sharp decrease essentially mirrored comments made by Edwards.

“For Tiverton, it seems like the majority of the reduction is the result of a lower number of students in poverty (down 8.9 percent),” Daniels wrote.

Superintendent Peter Sanchioni said the district is working with the Rhode Island Department of Education to try to get a better understanding of the numbers. He cautioned that the budget is  preliminary, and he and other school district officials will be working closely with the state in coming months to see if adjustments are feasible.

In discussing Tiverton’s potential hit, town councilor John G. Edwards V did not suppress his anger.  Noting that many school districts are projected to receive increases this year, he said, “There is a monster problem at the state level. They are treating Tiverton as though it is a wealthy community. We are not.”