The Barrington School Committee is expected to discuss and vote on the proposed operating budget during a meeting on Thursday night, March 2.

At their Feb. 16 meeting, members directed the administration to reduce the proposed $3.4 million increase, cutting it to about $2.8 million. Barrington officials are proposing a $62.9 million budget. 

Officials have done just that — eliminating some of the additional teaching positions proposed last month. 

The first draft of the proposed budget included money for more than eight new teaching and support staff positions — the new positions included Social Studies and English teachers at the high school and an additional seventh grade teacher at the middle school. 

The proposed budget also included money for a new administrative assistant for Paula Dillon, who serves as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.  

According to the budget update provided with the March 2 meeting packet, administrators called for the elimination of new staff positions in an effort to reduce the budget increase.

No longer included in the budget are:

• The proposed additional English teacher position at the high school

• The proposed additional seventh-grade teacher at the middle school

• The Advanced Placement Chinese program at the high school

• An existing sixth grade teaching position

• The proposed expansion of the world languages program at the middle school 

The recommended reductions also include a musical instrument at the middle school and new furniture in the district’s K-5 schools.

Still included in the budget are: 

• The proposed additional Social Studies teacher at the high school

• The proposed additional special education teacher at the high school

• The proposed additional K-3 teacher

• Language teaching positions at the middle school

• The proposed additional administrative position in the curriculum department. 

Also on the March 2 agenda:

• A presentation by Mario Carreno, the school construction finance specialist from the Rhode Island Department of Education. Committee members planned Carreno’s visit as part of the ongoing facilities planning the district is undergoing. 

• Introduction of the School Resource Officer candidate. The previous SRO left the Barrington Police Department in the fall for a position with the East Providence PD. Since then, different police officers have periodically filled the duties of the SRO.

• Review the proposed school calendar for the 2023-24 school year. 

• Discuss the legal counsel applicant review and selection process. 

• The School Committee is expected to discuss a request made by the town to inspect the Carmelite monastery property. 

• Discuss an amendment to the Covid-19 policy 2022-23. 

• Discuss and update on district implementation of Nathan Bruno and Jason Flatt Act