The Joint Finance Committee on Thursday evening approved a 3 percent increase in local funding to the Bristol Warren Regional School District. The towns of Warren and Bristol will pay $40,875,550 …
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The Joint Finance Committee on Thursday evening approved a 3 percent increase in local funding to the Bristol Warren Regional School District. The towns of Warren and Bristol will pay $40,875,550 toward the cost of education this year, an increase of $850,662 in Warren and $396,177 in Bristol.
Though the committee approved the full amount requested by the school committee, Bristol Warren administrators will face tough fiscal choices in the coming months. The increase in funding will leave the district approximately $2.3 million short of what it needs to fully fund its programs this year. To make up the shortfall, the district plans to eliminate nearly 24 full time employee positions, undertake programmatic reductions and will likely close the district's administration offices at the Oliver School in Bristol.
The motion to approve the 3 percent increase came from Bristol Town Council Chairman Nathan Calouro, who noted that Bristol officials originally supported a two percent increase before deciding to support the school committee's 3 percent request.
In closing the meeting shortly after 8:30 p.m., JFC Chairman Steve Calenda said JFC members will hold quarterly meetings with Bristol Warren Supt. Dr. Jonathan Brice and other administrators to keep officials abreast of the district's finances, goals and progress toward them.
"I agree with the idea of improving communication with the school department and the JFC," Dr. Brice said. "It will allow everybody to know what we are forecasting so that by the time we get to February and start this process, there will at least be some work that has been completed."
Budget at a glance
Total operating budget for 2021-21: $53,781,270
Total debt service: $1,587,250
Total school budget: $55,368,520
Non-local education aid: $14,492,970
Local education aid: $40,875,550
Warren increase over last year: $850,662
Bristol increase over last year: $396,177