►
From YouTube: April 18, 2023, Special Finance Committee Meeting
Description
April 18, 2023
Special Finance Committee Meeting
A
Excuse
me:
it
is
six
o'clock
Nicole
Nicole,
if
everyone
that
is
here,
if
you
could
please
kindly
find
a
place
to
see
to
sit,
there
can
be
no
standing
from
members
of
the
audience.
So
please
find
a
place
to
sit.
It
is
six
o'clock
we
are
going
to
be
starting
momentarily
once
everyone
is
seated.
Thank
you.
A
B
B
A
As
well
as
someone
from
the
administration,
the
way
the
way
we'll
proceed
this
evening
is
typically
public
hearing
is
done
when
the
department
is
concluded,
but
given
the
amount
of
people
here
this
evening
and
the
interest,
if
it's
we'll
take
a
emotion
out
of
order
and
if
that
motion
to
take
the
docket
out
of
order
passes,
will
allow
public
comment.
First,
that
way,
folks
that
are
here
to
speak,
can
have
the
opportunity
to
speak.
We'll
hear
from
the
school
administration
will
come
forward.
A
A
A
So
good
evening
we
are
waiting
for
a
solicitor
to
arrive
just
as
a
as
a
reminder.
There
can
be
no
one
standing.
So
please
there's
plenty
of
space
up
here
in
the
front.
Please
find
a
place
to
sit
and
we
will
begin
as
as
soon
as
possible
we're
waiting
for
the
the
administration
to
have
a
solicitor
here.
A
So,
as
a
precaution,
we
are
as
a
precaution,
we
are
waiting
for
to
have
legal
present
here
this
evening,
estimated
time
to
begin
tonight
and
I
I,
apologize
and
I
can
understand.
Any
frustration
is
about
10
minutes,
we're
hoping
to
start
in
about
10
minutes.
We
are
waiting
for
legal
representation,
we're
waiting
for
the
solicitor
to
arrive
again.
I
apologize
for
the
inconvenience.
A
Good
evening,
everyone
at
this
time
we
are
going
to
come
out
of
recess.
We
have
already
taken
a
role
clerk.
If
you
could
please
Council.
Vice
president
Vargas
is
present
as
well
as
councilwoman
Renzulli,
not
a
member
of
the
committee,
but
a
member
of
the
council.
Thank
you
all
right
at
this
time
we're
going
to
begin
with
a
public
comment,
as
I
said.
A
Typically
in
the
finance
budget
hearings,
we
do
Department,
then
Council,
discussion
and
committee
discussion
and
then
public
comment
tonight,
given
the
the
public
interest
this
evening,
we'll
do
public
comment
first,
followed
by
committee
deliberation
at
this
time.
I
would
like
to
welcome
to
the
floor.
Superintendent
Janine,
not
a
Massey.
D
E
Over
the
last
few
months,
my
team
and
I
have
diligently
worked
to
deliver
a
budget
for
the
upcoming
fiscal
year.
That
best
serves
the
educational
needs
of
the
students
and
staff
in
Cranston
I
acknowledge
we
have
a
considerable
budget,
much
of
which
is
manifested
by
many
federal
and
state
mandates,
regulations,
guidelines
and
rules.
E
E
E
It
would
take
a
pandemic
to
truly
realize
how
vitally
important
our
schools
are
to
our
children
and
our
society
at
Large,
when
we
were
forced
to
close
and
stopped
providing
in-person
service.
We
all
realized
how
critical
our
impact
is
on
the
everyday
lives
of
our
citizens
when
children
are
not
in
school
for
long
periods
of
time,
it
impacts
parents
and
families
who
cannot
get
to
work.
E
I
am
proud
to
say
here
this
evening
that
the
Cranston
Public
Schools
serves
as
an
example
to
the
rest
of
the
districts.
In
this
state,
when
you
look
around
at
other
districts,
not
only
of
similar
size
but
of
demographic
and
socioeconomic
composition,
you
cannot
help
but
recognize
that
our
district
has
a
well-earned
reputation
of
being
solid
as
a
rock.
E
This
is
so
for
many
reasons,
but
especially
due
to
the
support
of
our
students
and
their
families,
our
excellent
teachers,
Our
Community
Partnerships
and
our
hard-working
school
and
District
leaders
in
as
much
as
the
unwavering
support
of
this
community
has
propelled
and
sustained
us
through
what
could
be
described
as
the
greatest
crisis
in
American
Education.
In
almost
a
century,
we
continue
to
struggle
and
cope
with
the
damaging
effects
of
the
pandemic,
which
include
tremendous
learning
loss
as
well
as
Grave
social
and
emotional
needs.
E
At
the
same
time
as
we
grapple
with
the
lingering
effects
of
covid,
we
have
not
lost
sight
of
our
long-term
vision
of
upgrading
our
school
facilities
for
the
21st
century.
As
you
know,
on
November
3rd
2020,
the
voters
of
our
city
approved
a
147
million
dollar
bond
proposal
for
school
facility.
Upgrades
of
the
38
759
votes
cast
the
bond
passed
with
an
overwhelming
majority
of
30
814
votes
or
79.5
percent,
an
impressive
mandate
to
say
the
least.
E
E
Additionally,
we
have
various
other
smaller
scale
projects
nearing
completion
around
the
district,
which
includes
security,
upgrades
at
Cranston,
High,
School,
West,
much
needed
HVAC
upgrades
at
Western,
Hills,
Middle,
School
and
new
roofs
boilers
and
other
behind
the
scenes.
Improvements
as
we
chart
the
path
forward.
These
projects
are
on
the
waypoints
of
our
journey
toward
a
brighter
future.
They
are
essential
not
only
to
the
current
needs
of
our
students,
but
to
the
long-term
cultural,
social
and
economic
health
of
our
city,
but,
most
importantly,
they
are
a
moral
imperative.
E
Therefore,
I
ask
you
to
listen
to
the
speakers
this
evening
and
consider
increasing
funding
to
our
schools,
so
we
may
continue
to
provide
a
laudable
education
to
all
of
our
students
who,
at
the
end
of
their
careers
with
us,
have
many
options
for
their
lives
when
they
leave
our
charge.
Thank
you
for
your
time.
A
Thank
you,
superintendent.
At
this
time,
I'm
going
to
go
straight
down
the
order
of
the
names
on
the
list
and
then,
if
there
are
other
members
of
the
public
that
wish
to
speak
after
that,
certainly
will
have
the
opportunity
to
do
so.
At
this
time,
I'd
like
to
recognize
former
mayor
and
school
and
current
School
Committee
Member
Michael
traficante.
F
F
Shannon
Donegan
members
of
the
Cranston
City
Council
the
evening
of
Mayor
Hopkins,
presented
his
fy24
Municipal
budget
I
was
out
of
town.
However,
a
colleague
of
mine
on
this
school
committee
contacted
me
shortly
thereafter
by
phone
and
basically
informed
me
that
the
proposed
Municipal
budget
did
not
include
any
additional
dollars
for
the
Cranston
School
Department's
operating
budget,
and
this
is
the
school
Department's
operating
a
budget
was
level
funded
for
fiscal
year,
24.
F
F
F
I
was
very
disappointed
to
read
in
that
particular
paragraph
that
education
is
not
even
mentioned
as
one
of
the
basic
responsibilities
and
services
of
local
government
members
of
the
city
council.
As
you
are
well
aware,
there
are
only
two
major
Financial
buckets
for
educational
support.
One
is
State
AIDS
education
and
the
second
is
local
government
appropriation.
F
The
mayor
further
States
on
page
two
and
I
quote
the
budget
being
unveiled
tonight,
will
continue
to
meet
the
fiscal
needs
of
our
city
and
effectively
meet
the
needs
of
our
constituents.
It
is
clear
that
the
11
000
student
constituents
fiscal
needs
were
not
considered
essential
in
the
proposed
budget.
F
Members
of
the
council
may
I
remind
you
and
the
administration
that
the
quality
of
life
we
have
come
to
enjoy
and
appreciate
in
our
great
city
is
not
only
directly
related
to
an
effective
and
efficient
police
department
and
fire
department.
A
public
works
department,
a
recreation
department
or
a
senior
services
department
that
quality
of
life
I
speak
of
is
also
strongly
related
and
directly
related
to
the
quality
of
the
child
that
we
graduate
from
our
four
high
schools
in
the
city
of
Cranston
council
members.
F
I
know
you
are
well
aware
that
level
funding
a
school
budget
directly
impacts
that
equality
and
it's
that
quality
That's
not
healthy,
not
sustainable,
nor
is
it
educationally
sound.
So
members
of
the
council,
it's
obvious.
It's
obvious
tonight
that
it
I
did
not
come
before
you
to
praise
Caesar,
but
I'm
also
here
not
to
bury
Caesar
as
well.
No
one
knows
better
than
I
who
produced
14
Municipal
budgets
as
mayor
to
include
several
tax
increases,
the
difficulty
of
formulating
a
municipal
Financial
package
that
maintains
effective
City
departments
while
simultaneously
keeping
the
taxpayers
satisfied
and
happy.
F
It
is
I
assure
you
a
very
difficult
equation
to
balance,
however,
on
page
12
of
his
budget
message,
the
mayor
hangs
his
head
on
the
2.5
million
dollars
proposed,
and
the
council
supported
back
in
FY,
22
and
FY
23.
I
said
it
back
then,
and
I'll
repeat
it
again.
Tonight
we
as
a
school
committee
as
a
school
department
are
extremely
grateful
for
the
FY
22
and
FY
323
contributions
to
education.
However,
we
are
here
tonight
to
address
the
future
fy24
on
pages
eight
and
nine
of
his
budget
message.
F
A
few
months
back,
we
gave
you
our
assurances
that
contracts
were
affordable
and
I
stand
by
that
statement
today
as
well.
The
document
that's
going
to
be
distributed
to
you
will
identify
our
Revenue
loss,
as
well
as
our
anticipated,
unanticipated
expenses
Madam
president
Mr
chairman
and
members
of
the
city
council
for
the
last
four
years.
This
Council
has
clearly
demonstrated
your
financial
support
for
education.
F
F
The
school
committee
has
recommended
to
you
a
proposed
budget,
100.9
million,
which
is
a
difference
of
approximately
2.4
million,
and
that's
our
requests
coming
before
you
this
evening
by
contributing
factors.
Let's
look
at
our
Revenue
situation
and
FY
23
state
government
appropriated
2
million
three
hundred
eighty
seven
thousand
fifty
four
dollars
in
20
and
FY
24.
The
state
has
appropriated
1.5
million
dollars
a
difference
of
852
127,
that
is,
the
loss
of
Revenue
under
expenditures.
F
Let's
talk
about
pensions,
you
experience
the
similar
situation
on
your
half
of
the
budget,
the
pensions
Rose
by
0.6
percent
for
the
additional
expenditure
of
502
914
dollars
in
terms
of
external
external
charter,
school
tuitions
and
state
schools,
an
additional
330
398
dollars,
and
the
state
ride.
Stride
basically
designates
eight
thousand
four
hundred
and
ninety
dollars
per
student
in
that
category.
For
a
total
expenditure
of
three
million
956
340
in
terms
of
pathway
programs,
CTE
tuition
rates
is
set
at
fourteen
to
sixteen
thousand,
depending
on
whether
they're.
F
What's
the
term
Joe
re-reduced
lunch
correct
for
an
additional
fifty
thousand
six
569
thousand
sixty
nine
dollars
for
a
total
expenditure
of
856
268
dollars
in
terms
of
special
education
outside
tuitions
for
medical
and
behavioral
situations
identified
by
IEP
teams,
we
have
114
students
but
total
expenditure
of
seven
million
six
hundred
and
forty
three
thousand
nine
hundred
and
fifty
six
dollars
Statewide
Transportation,
which
is
dictated
by
the
state
of
Rhode
Island,
an
outside
Agency.
For
a
student.
F
We
have
additional
expenditure
of
sixty
nine
thousand
five
hundred
and
twenty
two
dollars
for
a
total
expenditure
of
two
million
three
hundred
eighty
six
thousand
nine
hundred
and
twenty
two
dollars
in
terms
of
our
utilities
experienced
on
both
sides
of
the
budget.
Our
gas
heat
went
down
by
84,
000
electricity
went
up
by
four
hundred
and
two
thousand
dollars.
Oil
heat
went
down
by
thirty
thousand
that
total.
If
you
include
the
revenue
loss
plus
our
expenditures,
it
comes
to
approximately
2.9
Million
Dollars.
F
H
A
I
I
In
a
second
first
I'd
like
to
point
out
a
few
things
that
you
may
or
may
not
be
aware
of
Everyone
likes
to
compare
us
to
Warwick
work
is
the
SEC,
the
third
largest
school
district
in
the
state,
as
we
are.
The
second
Cranston
has
about
11
000
students
and
work,
roughly
nine
thousand
cranston's
fiscal
23
budget.
I
In
again
rough
terms
was
173
million.
Warwick
was
179
million,
for
instance,
fiscal
24
proposed
budget
is
180
million.
Warrick's
proposed
budget
for
fiscal
24
is
186
million
State
a
as
chairman
traffic
conditions
stated
to
Cranston
is
proposed
to
receive
roughly
and
rounding
up
to
1.6
million
over
last
year.
I
Warwick
in
the
proposed
state
budget
is
to
receive
3.27
million
dollar
increase
just
to
set
things
straight.
A
little
work
might
still
be
considered,
lower,
Finance
or
fiscally
than
Cranston.
So
let's
take
this
back
for
a
minute
in
this.
The
proposed
budget
at
the
state
house
right
now,
Barrington
is
scheduled
to
receive
2.1
million
dollar
increase.
I
Sorry
Barrington
and
Cranston
on
fiscally
same
are
not
fiscally
the
same
in
this
proposed
budget.
Let's
take
a
look
at
some
things.
For
example,
salaries
teaches
salaries
for
the
second
largest
District
ranks,
eight
in
the
in
the
state
of
Rhode
Island
high
school
principals,
where
we
had
the
two
largest
high
schools
in
the
state
are
roughly
11
percent
lower
than
the
average
high
school
principal
in
the
state.
In
fact,
many
high
school
principals
in
the
state
are
paid
more
than
that:
Central
Administration
staff,
administrators,
middle
school
and
Elementary
School
principles.
I
They're
not
even
coming
close
to
the
top
five
in
terms
of
salaries
in
the
state
required
our
proposed
budget.
We
must
pay
out
almost
four
million
dollars
to
charter
schools
for
our
students
who
attend
them
and
what
really
bothers
me
at
the
state
budget,
Achievement
First
charter
school
is
proposed
to
receive
10
million
dollar
increase,
let
that
sink
in
for
a
second.
They
are
getting
money
from
this
from
the
cities
and
towns
that
then
students
there
plus
an
additional
10
million
dollars
in
Governor
McKee's
budget.
I
Our
District's
supposed
to
compete
with
that
there's
also
a
few
things
I
want
to
that
I've
heard
in
this
past
few
years.
That
I
want
to
kind
of
just
reiterate
and
clear
up
a
little
bit
too.
It's
been
mentioned
several
times.
The
city
appropriates
money
to
the
schools
without
any
say.
Well,
that
is
what
my
colleagues
and
I
have
been
elected
to
to
manage.
I
I
am
quite
proud
of
the
probing
questions
our
freshman
class,
we're
up
to
the
table
this
year
during
our
budget
hearings
for
folks
who
went
through
this
process
for
the
first
time
and
trust
me
I
remember
when
I
went
to
the
first
time
it
was
very
difficult.
The
questions
were
very
good.
They
were
this
the
budget.
Our
budget
is
not
easy
to
understand
in
the
diligence
they
brought
forth
and
and
the
questions
they
asked
to
learn
and
understand
how
our
budget
Works
was
commendable.
So
please,
rest
assured.
The
school
budget
is
a
very
capable
hands.
I
I
All
buildings
once
once
they're
built,
have,
must
be
approved
by
the
fire
department
and
City
inspectors.
Every
penny
that's
spent
by
the
school
department
on
a
building
has
to
be
approved
by
the
city
purchasing
board.
Finally,
past
couple
of
years,
I've
heard
that
school
bond
debt
services
are
as
high.
Well,
yes,
they
might
be,
but,
as
I
mentioned
in
the
past
to
this
Council
that'll
soon
be
reimbursed,
for
example,
Gladstone
school,
which
is
scheduled
to
be
completed
roughly
a
couple
of
months.
I
The
cost
of
that
building
is
48
million
dollars,
the
cost
of
the
city
Garden
City.
What
did
I
say?
Oh
shoot,
sorry,
yeah,
yeah
I
apologize.
Thank
you
anyway.
All
right,
so
rewind,
Garden
City,
which
is
scheduled
to
be
completed
struggling,
is
at
a
cost
of
48
million
dollars,
the
cost
of
the
city.
Once
the
state
reimburses
will
be
15
million
Gladstone.
The
budgeted
cost
is
83
million,
and
yes,
we
have
factored
in
inflation
and
made
necessary
adjustments.
I
I
I
As
a
result,
the
finishing
of
Eden
Park
is
now
on
hold.
So
please
don't
hold
this
debt
against
the
schools.
The
schools
will
soon
have
two
brand
new
schools
and
one
refurbished
School
that'll
bring
education
for
our
students
in
the
21st
century
for
a
total
cost
of
the
city,
49
million-
that
is
a
169
million
in
new
construction
for
49
million
or
29.5
of
the
cost.
I
challenge
any
other
industry
to
find
a
deal
like
that
I.
I
J
I
do
not
want
to
know
what
things
cost
when
we
cut
corners
or
short
change,
or
look
for
create,
look
to
create
Savings
in
ways
that
would
be
a
detriment
to
what
we
are
trying
to
accomplish
in
this
case.
If
we
want
to
support
our
schools
to
a
blue
ribbon
standard,
then
we
must
meet
the
needs
demonstrated
by
our
proposed
budget.
J
That's
just
that.
So
next
year
alone,
as
you
can
see
with
when
Mr
shafikanti
put
gave
to
you,
it's
projected
that
our
electrical
expenses
will
increase
by
over
four
hundred
thousand
dollars.
That's
just
one
example
of
an
area
out
of
our
control
that
simply
costs
more
in
order
to
provide
the
education,
our
students
and
families
deserve,
and,
in
this
particular
case,
to
literally
just
keep
the
lights
on.
J
Second,
is
that
to
balance
the
proposed
budget-
and
this
is
really
important,
I-
think
to
understand
what
we've
done
to
balance
the
proposed
budget.
Our
proposed
budget,
in
addition
to
the
increased
contribution
we'd
like
to
see
from
the
city,
our
Administration
and
our
committee
has
approved
a
proposed
dipping
into
our
school
fund
violence
Reserve,
that's
our
cash
Reserve,
our
rainy
day
fund
for
lack
of
a
better
term
by
nearly
three
million
dollars.
J
That's
not
ideal
by
any
stretch
of
the
imagination
and
puts
us
in
some
ways
in
a
vulnerable
spot
in
the
future,
but
it
is
what
is
necessary
to
do
what
it
takes
to
provide
the
education
our
students
and
families
deserve.
Finally,
as
has
already
been
pointed
out,
you
might
notice
that
our
budget
must
accommodate
for
nearly
four
million
dollars
out
of
District
to
cover
Charter
School
tuitions,
half
of
which
approximately
go
to
Achievement
First.
J
Everyone
on
the
school
committee
knows
this
is
an
issue
about
which
I
care
deeply.
We
must
signal
to
families
that
we
are
committed
to
investing
in
our
schools
to
help
them
choose
the
Cranston
public
school
system.
We
simply
cannot
afford
more
family
for
more
families
to
opt
in
to
Charter
Schools.
Instead,
we
need
to
bring
families
and
students
back
to
the
Cranston
public
schools,
which
one
requires
understanding
why
there
are
over
400
students,
families
choosing
to
send
them
to
Charters.
It
also
requires
us
to
send
the
right
signals
to
our
community
shortchanging.
J
The
school
budget
is
not
that
signal,
and
if
yes,
it's
not
that
signal,
we
need
to
send
the
opposite
one,
that
we
care
deeply
for
our
schools
and
we
will
invest
in
them
accordingly.
Lastly,
as
you
know,
I
speak
to
you
tonight
as
a
ward.
One
representative
on
the
school
committee
I'm
also
a
Public
School
parent
of
a
one
of
an
elementary
school
fifth
grader,
so
soon
to
be
middle
schooler
and
a
professional
with
nearly
25
years
working
in
and
around
Public
School
Systems
across
the
country.
J
Among
my
circle
of
friends,
I'm
often
the
one
people
call
when
they
have
questions
about
what
they
should
do
about
their
child's
education
when
they
are
making
decisions
about
where
to
send
their
children
to
school.
In
fact,
this
weekend,
I
was
at
a
conference
education,
research
conference
I
had
another
friend
from
graduate
school
text
me
saying:
they're
looking
to
move
to
Rhode
Island.
Where
should
they
move
to
they're
concerned
about
the
schools?
J
What's
my
impression
of
the
Cranston
Public
Schools
I
said
to
him
I
said
one
of
the
things
that
I'm
impressed
by
the
parents
in
public
schools,
not
only
our
programs,
what
we
can
offer
to
students
the
services,
the
dedicated
Educators,
all
the
things
that
we
all
know
about.
It's
also
a
sense
of
stability
and
confidence
and
faith
in
our
schools.
J
So
one
thing
that
that
is
that's
one
thing:
I'm,
confident
in
saying
about
the
Cranston
public
schools
that
we
have
a
sense
of
stability
and
confidence.
That's
what
I've
told
friends
what
they
ask!
What
our
experience
has
been
like
at
our
elementary
school
in
this
day
and
age
in
public
schools,
that
stability
is
not
to
be
taken
for
granted
throughout
the
state
and
across
the
country.
We
have
tons
of
examples
of
other
districts
with
more
volatile
situations
and
unpredictable
circumstances.
J
The
mayor's
proposed
budget
opens
up
the
floodgates
to
a
very
slippery
slope
that
would
threaten
the
stability,
consistency
and
quality
of
Education
that
our
hard-working
Administration
teachers
and
staff
can
provide
in
our
city
I'm
hopeful
that
the
council
will
take
into
strong
consideration.
What
myself
and
my
colleagues
are
sharing
tonight
and
have
shared
with
you
in
detail
in
our
proposed
budget
to
increase
the
city's
contribution
to
our
schools
by
the
2.4
million
dollars
requested,
so
that
we
can
establish
the
necessary
education
that
our
communities
expect
and
deserve.
Thanks.
K
I'd
like
to
first
start
off
with
some
quotes
from
some
campaign
material
that
I
read.
You
might
recognize
some
of
these
because
they're
from
all
of
your
campaign,
material
I'm
not
going
to
call
anybody
out
by
name
but
number
one
is
I,
firmly
believe
in
the
importance
of
public
education
and
support
for
our
teachers.
That
was
one
council
person.
Another
council
person
said
investing
in
quality
education
for
all
students
is
my
number
one
goal.
K
K
Number
four
I
want
to
strengthen
our
schools
into
more
enriching
and
safer
places
of
learning
number
five.
Together
we
have
accomplished
so
much.
We
have
updated
playgrounds,
worked
towards
building
new
parks
and
make
sure
we
have
great
Public
Safety
in
public
schools.
Number
six.
My
parents
moved
to
Cranston
to
provide
their
children
with
a
great
education.
I
am
running
to
make
sure
my
children
get
the
same
education
as
I
did.
K
I'm
here
to
speak
on
the
importance
of
a
fully
funded
school
system
and
why
it's
crucial
for
several
several
reasons:
number
one.
It
provides
adequate
resources
for
Quality
education.
A
well-funded
school
system
will
provide
the
necessary
resources,
resources
such
as
books,
technology
supplies
and
Facilities
that
teachers
need
to
effectively
educate
their
students.
When
schools
lack
funding,
it
could
result
in
overcrowded
classrooms,
outdated
material
and
inadequate
facilities,
all
of
which
will
negatively
impact
the
quality
of
Education
number.
Two.
A
fully
funded
school
system
is
crucial.
It
ensures
quality
and
equal
opportunity.
K
A
fully
funded
funded
school
system
will
help
reduce
the
achievement
gap
between
low-income
and
high-income
students
by
providing
all
students
with
equal
access
to
high
quality
education.
Students
from
disadvantaged
backgrounds
often
have
fewer
resources
available
to
them
outside
of
school.
So
it
is
essential
that
schools
have
the
funding
to
provide
these
students
with
the
support
and
resources.
They
need
to
succeed.
K
Number
three:
a
fully
funded
school
system
attracts
and
retains
talented
teachers.
Adequate
funding
will
also
help
schools
attract
and
retain
talented
teachers.
When
schools
lack
funded
funding,
they
often
have
to
cut
back
on
teacher
salaries
and
benefits
which
can
make
it
difficult
to
attract
and
retain
quality
educators.
K
By
adequately
funding
schools,
we
will
ensure
that
teaches
are
compensated
fairly
and
that
they
have
the
resources
they
need
to
do
their
jobs
effectively.
Four
It
prepares
students
for
success.
Finally,
a
full
fully
funded
school
will
help
prepare
students
for
success
in
college
and
their
careers.
When
schools
have
the
resources
they
need,
they
can
provide
students
with
a
well-rounded
education
that
includes
not
only
academic
subjects
but
also
extracurricular
activities
such
as
sports,
music
and
drama.
K
Overall,
a
fully
funded
school
system
is
essential
for
ensuring
that
all
grants
and
students
have
access
to
high
quality
education,
regardless
of
their
background
or
circumstances.
It
can
help
reduce
the
achievement,
Gap
attract
and
retain
talented
teachers
and
prepare
students
with
success
in
colleges
and
their
careers.
Our
job
as
elected
officials
is
to
create
a
society
that
would
people
that
come
before
others
plant
trees,
the
shade
of
which
they
will
never
enjoy.
Thank
you
and
good
luck.
L
L
All
of
you
have
shown
some
kind
of
support
for
the
Cranston
public
schools
and,
what's
not
to
support
they
are
the
jewel
of
our
city.
I
am
asking
that
all
of
you
work
very
hard
to
allocate
funds
out
of
the
Maya's
City
budget
to
support
the
superintendents
and
the
school
committee's
budget.
It
was
carefully
prepared
and
it
was
made
to
meet
the
needs
of
our
district.
L
M
Good
evening
Madam
president
and
members
of
the
city
council,
my
name
is
apriley
Giuliano
and,
as
an
itinerant
psychologist,
I've
had
the
pleasure
of
working
in
many
schools
within
Cranston.
I
had
planned
up
to
come
up
here
and
speak
about
that
incredible
experience
that
was
until
The
Kindergartners
at
Oaklawn.
M
M
N
N
Our
budget
was
carefully
thoughtfully
and
transparently
developed,
addressing
the
needs
of
the
Branson
public
schools
and
the
increased
costs
provided
an
excellent
education.
We
need
the
support
of
your
committee
or
we
will
be
forced
to
cut
neither
Physicians
programs
and
services.
Thank
you
very
much.
O
Good
evening
Dan
wall,
27,
Sagamore,
Road,
Obama,
School,
Committee
Member,
chairman
of
the
school
committee
teacher
parent
I,
wasn't
really
sure
what
I
might
say
tonight,
which
added
a
few
things
down.
So
you
can
be
happy.
It's
only
on
this
small
piece
of
paper.
It's
not
going
to
take
very
long,
I
guarantee
you
it's
going
to
be
sincere.
P
O
Although
I
admire
the
statement,
it
was
a
nice
platitude
doesn't
sound
realistic
as
a
person
who's
been
through
many
budget
deliberations,
hearings,
Council
superintendent
and
her
staff.
I
can
tell
you
the
superintendent
and
the
people
who
work
with
her
prepare,
prepare
budget
Fair
budget
for
our
kids
Fair
budget
for
our
taxpayer.
The
school
committee
is
a
member
of
the
school
committee.
We
deliberate.
We
go
line
by
line
over
the
budget.
We
try
to
make
sure
we're
giving
you
once
again
a
fair
budget
and
I
know.
Even
though
I
wasn't
involved
in
past
practice.
O
This
is
a
spare
budget.
Listen!
My
friends.
I,
don't
have
to
tell
you.
Education
is
the
key,
the
key
to
the
success
of
our
students,
the
key
to
the
success
of
our
city.
It
is
our
future.
The
future
we
talk
about
when,
when
we
say
when
I
do
is
public
servants
now,
while
and
I
I
want
to
mirror
what
Mr
traffic
handy
said
over
the
years,
I've
been
very
thankful
that
generosity,
the
mayor
previous
mayor
members
of
the
council,
some
of
the
people
sit
in
this
very
room.
O
I'm.
Very
grateful,
however
I,
don't
think
now
is
the
time
to
put
the
brakes
on
and
pull
down
our
past
Laurel
I
would
disagree
with
what
the
mayor
is
saying.
Now
is
not
the
time
to
do
more
with
less
the
whole
country,
as
Mr
royan
is
saying,
is
worried
about
what's
happening.
The
learning
was
due
to
the
covet
pandemic.
We
as
a
city
need
to
be
vigilant
at
this
time.
We
need
to
double
down.
We
need
to
be
strong
on
our
support
for
our
schools.
O
So
once
again-
and
I've
said
this,
when
I've
been
in
this
meeting
before
once
again,
I'm
just
going
to
say
to
you
it's
going
to
come
down
to
the
people
in
this
room,
all
right,
it's
going
to
come
down
to
the
members
of
the
council
fund,
this
budget,
your
students,
the
people
in
your
community
counter.
Thank
you
for
your
time.
Q
Q
Sorry,
oh
sorry,
I'm
Tara,
Norberg,
School,
Committee,
Member,
Ward,
5.,
that's
okay!
My
colleagues
asked
me
to
speak
as
a
mom.
So
that's
what
I'm
going
to
do
not
only
am
I
a
voter
I
am
a
very
involved
parent
in
Cranston
Public
Schools,
my
son
attends
West
and
I
had
the
privilege
of
becoming
involved
with
Cranston
Public
Schools
very
early
on,
as
he
has
autism,
thus
making
him
able
to
attend
our
wonderful
Early,
Childhood
Center
at
the
age
of
three.
My
experience
with
Cranston
Public
Schools
from
2003.
Q
Excuse
me,
2011
until
now
has
been
above
and
beyond.
Anything
I
could
possibly
imagine,
especially
when
you
have
a
child
who
you've
been
told,
probably
won't
succeed
by
doctors.
Doctors
looked
at
me
and
said:
it's
probably
not
going
to
be
able
to
do
much
well
I'm
here
to
tell
you
that
Cranston
public
schools
has
made
sure
that
he
can
do
a
whole
lot.
He
is
a.
Q
Q
There
are
children
in
our
schools
that
are
told
they're
not
going
to
be
able
to
do
much,
not
just
by
doctors
but
by
parents,
their
own
parents,
their
family
members,
because
maybe
those
family
members
were
told
that
they
weren't
going
to
be
able
to
do
much
and
that's
just
how
they
feel
about
themselves.
And
that
is
a
shame
and,
as
my
colleagues
have
said,
over
and
over
again
and
I'm
sure
you're
all
aware,
we
just
came
out
of
something
that
these
children
could
never
have
imagined
to
live
through.
Q
Q
You
know
resources
to
now.
It's
me
and
I've
I've
got
to
say.
I'm
I
may
have
a
ba
in
special
education
in
elementary
education.
But
I
am
not
a
nice
teacher.
Okay,
he
he
was.
He
was
the
first
one
to
say,
I'm
going
to
put
that
mask
on
and
go
to
school,
so
that
should
also
be
a
testament.
He
did
not
like
Mrs
Norberg
I
was
not
his
cup
of
tea,
but
that
being
said,
we
have
to
consider
what
the
three
years
have
done
to
us.
Q
Q
There
are
so
many
Educators
who
came
through
Cranston
schools
and
they
stayed
here
because
they
go
elsewhere
and
make
more
money.
You
bet,
but
they're,
not
I,
urge
you
to
think
as
parents
who
also
have
children
in
our
schools,
please
it's
it's
just
necessary
and
again
11
000
line
items.
I
was
like
you
got
to
be
kidding
me,
reading,
11
000
line
items,
but
we
read
them
and
we
questioned
them
a
lot
and
I
too
amend
this
freshman
class
and
I'm
proud
of
us,
because
this
budget
is
is
good.
Q
A
R
Good
evening,
council
members
and
ladies
and
gentlemen
present
in
Virtual
tonight
is
the
finance
committee
reviews
the
the
school
department
budget.
That
may
has
asked
me
to
pass
along
a
few
introductory
remarks
and
appreciate
your
time
as
a
former
teacher
in
a
school
department
administrator,
the
mayor
continues
to
be
a
strong
education
advocate
for
our
students
and
school
programs.
R
Now
as
mayor,
he
must
balance
his
advocacy
for
Education.
It
would,
with
his
broad
responsibilities
as
chief
executive,
to
provide
a
wide
spectrum
of
city
services
from
education
to
police
and
fire
to
Public
Works
and
all
the
basic
elements
of
government.
The
mayor
has
to
try
to
fund
all
these
services
at
a
price
residents
and
businesses
can
afford,
as
has
been
reported,
he
submitted
to
the
city
council,
325
million
dollar
budget.
That
was
actually
a
5
million
dollar
reduction
from
prior
year.
R
R
Our
challenging
times
mandated
a
smaller
government
through
a
plan
of
job
eliminations,
retirements,
involuntary
resignations
in
the
mayor's
first
two
years,
he
offered
an
additional
2.5
million
dollars
to
our
schools
beyond
the
basic
maintenance
of
effort
that
would
have
been
required
for
the
school
department.
That
was
the
largest
two-year
additional
appropriation
in
at
least
the
past
decade.
R
R
R
Furthermore,
it
is
important
to
note
that
over
the
past
two
years,
the
state
has
reduced
or
eliminated
funding
to
the
City
by
nearly
four
million
dollars
regarding
funding
for
distressed
communities
and
pilot
payment
in
lieu
of
taxes.
This
reduction
has
further
stressed
the
city's
ability
to
provide
further
funding.
R
The
proposed
budget
from
the
mayor
should
not
have
come
as
a
surprise.
You
may
recall
that
last
year,
when
the
new
contracts
came
before
the
council
for
ratification,
the
mayor's
caution
and
pause
to
reflect
on
the
overall
cost
to
the
schools,
he
was
criticized
for
raising
such
a
point.
It
was
never
a
question
for
the
May.
R
If
the
teachers
weren't
deserving
of
compensation,
it
was
a
question
of
how
the
Personnel
costs
fit
in
the
overall
scheme
of
school
spending
for
employees,
programs,
student
services
and
things
like
art,
music,
Sports
at
a
July
1822
finance
committee
meeting
council,
president
Mourinho
asked
the
school's
Chief
Financial
Officer.
If
the
three-year
contract
was
something
the
schools
could
afford
financially
and
he
responded
quote
correct.
R
It
should
also
be
noted
that
a
school,
employee,
taxpayers
and
all
other
taxpayers
are
committing
great
support
to
Cranston
schools
in
the
next
capital
budget,
with
more
than
40
million
dollars
for
the
last
phase
of
a
new
Garden
City
school
and
Eden
Park
School
there's
also
additional
funding
to
get
the
new
Gladstone
school
off
the
ground.
In
the
next
year's
debt
service
costs.
R
R
A
A
First
superintendent,
there
are
a
lot
of
people
that
have
accept
that
last
couple
months,
there's
no
one
that
I
have
more
confidence
in
than
you
when
you
come
before
us,
as
well
as
you
Mr,
Balducci
and
and
the
department
as
a
whole,
including
all
of
the
Educators
School
professionals
and
everyone.
That
is
a
part
of
the
Cranston
school
system.
So
thank
you
for
all
that
you
do.
A
E
We
would
not
necessarily
we
would
not
need
to
make
programmatic
or
Staffing
cuts,
so
obviously
any
increase
would
be
greatly
appreciated.
I
can't
sit
here
and
say:
I
want
this,
that
and
the
other.
That's
not
it's
not
in
my
nature,
to
be
greedy,
but
I
would
ask
that
any
consideration
for
increased
funding
would
be
put
directly
to
the
budget,
to
make
sure
that
some
of
the
fears
that
you
folks
have
that
parents
have
that
my
staff
have.
E
A
S
S
My
office
sees
it
directly
when
we
have
to
buy
supplies
for
our
us
prices.
We
were
used
to
getting
are
not
there
anymore.
So
what
we've
had
to
do
is
either
one
of
two
things:
try
to
find
money
elsewhere
in
the
budget
to
accommodate
their
supply
needs
or
just
the
answer
is
no.
We
can't
we
can't
buy
as
much
so.
A
H
To
pretend
it
good
evening,
nice
to
see
here,
thank
you
for
all
the
work
that
you
and
your
staff
do
and
as
well.
It's
it's
nice
to
see
a
full
house
full
of
Educators
in
Cranston
school
department
staff
I
want
to
thank
you
all
for
obviously
for
all
the
work
that
you
have
done
continue
to
do,
and
it's
certainly
not
in
in
an
easy
job.
H
I
had
kind
of
asked
me
and
I
said
that
I
would
definitely
go
ahead
and
ask
you,
although
I
did
say
to
the
parents
that
I
know
your
office
is
always
more
than
welcome
to
answer
any
questions
that
the
parents
have,
but
I
didn't
want
to
shut
down
their
their
questions
and
I
said
that
I
would
ask
them
so
a
few
of
them
I'll
start
off
with
kind
of
the
the
one
of
the
the
ones
that
I
got
in
for
my
parent.
Just
this
evening
was
regarded
to
the
Esser
funds.
H
S
So
right
now,
no
but
I
did
ask
the
state
if
there
was
a
possibility,
if
districts
did
not
use
their
full
allocation
other
districts
if
they
were
going
to
reallocate
the
dollars
and
make
those
available
for
I'll
say
round
two
or
three
I
did
not
get
any
solid
answer,
but
I
did
ask
so
we're
never
embarrassed
to
ask
for
more
dollars.
So,
but
we
haven't
heard
anything.
No
okay.
H
E
In
terms
of
next
year
we
do
have
vacancies.
For
example,
we've
been
looking
for
full-time
School,
psychologists,
I.
Think
we've
had
the
posting
up
for
the
better
part
of
a
year
yeah.
So
there
are
certain
specific
areas
that
we
have
vacancies,
but
just
to
clarify
before
we
get
into
all
of
the
questions.
H
Thank
you.
The
other
question
that
I
have
is
I
know
that
there's
been
as
a
parent
I
get
the
emails
coming
in
regarding
pre-reduced
lunch
right
and
the
and
the
balance.
Probably,
that
is
currently
that
we
currently
have
that
the
school
department
currently
has.
What
is
what
is
the
current
balance
your
day
on
the
free
to
reduce
lunch?
E
Oh,
that
is
a
huge
problem
for
us,
so
pre-covered
we
ran
about
when
we
shut
down
in
March
of
2020.
We
had
about
a
92
thousand
dollar
debt
owed
on
students
who
had
received
lunch
and
hadn't
paid
for
it
for
one
reason
or
another,
then
for
two
years
or
two
plus
years
the
government
enabled
us
to
give
Universal
free
lunch.
E
So
I
think
everyone
can
understand
the
economic
impact
of
giving
things
away
for
free
to
everyone
and
then
suddenly
saying
oh
now
we're
going
to
take
that
back
and
now
we
want.
You
know
it's
hard
to
put
the
genie
back
in
the
bottle,
so
to
speak.
So
at
the
beginning
of
this
year
we
began
really
trying
to
stress
to
families
that
lunch
was
no
longer
free.
You
had
to
fill
out
the
annual
paperwork,
whether
it
be
literally
a
paper
copy
or
an
online
copy.
E
We
have
discovered
over
the
year
that
our
Food
Service
Company,
who
assists
Us
in
processing.
All
of
that
there
was
a
software
malfunction
that
is
causing
a
lot
of
the
families
who
would
normally
get
free
lunch
to
have
their
application
rejected
for
one
reason
or
another.
We're
currently
in
the
process
of
going
through
every
single
one
of
the
students
who
have
a
balance
to
see
if
it's
I
won't
go
into
the
technical
details
of
it.
E
But
there
are
two
or
three
platforms
that
are
supposed
to
talk
to
each
other
and
send
out
emails,
notifying
parents
and
from
our
side
we
assumed
those
emails
are
going
out
until
we
realized
nobody
was
getting
any
of
the
emails
or
notifications.
So
the
debt
was
incurring
and
parents
were
unaware.
So
now
we're
in
the
process
of
communicating
with
parents
and
trying
to
get
them
back
on
track
with
their
free
and
reduced
lunch
applications.
E
But
I
think
that
two-year
pause
in
between
really
did
a
disservice
to
this,
to
the
municipalities
that
rely
on
the
income.
For
that,
so
we're
working
with
our
staff
to
try
and
reach
out
to
parents
and
do
a
lot
of
the
Outreach.
Whatever
debt
we
do
incur,
we
are
allowed
to
carry
for
a
couple
of
years
and
try
to
chip
away
at
that.
However,
the
the
school
lunch
program
is
called
it's
an
Enterprise
fund,
which
means
whatever
we
make
from.
E
It
goes
back
into
a
very
restricted
fund
and
can
only
be
used
for
certain
items.
So
if
we
had,
you
know
five
million
dollars
in
the
school
which
we
don't,
but
if
we
had
five
million
dollars
in
the
school
lunch
Enterprise
fund,
we
can't
take
that
money
and
use
it
for
our
budget.
So
it
has
to
be
used
very
specifically
according
to
federal
and
state
guidelines
within
the
program
itself.
So,
ironically,
we
cannot
use
the
profit
that
we
make
to
pay
off
the
debt
to
our
fund,
so
that
becomes
our
debt.
E
So
that's
why
we're
working
really
hard
with
families?
We've
encouraged
them
if
they
aren't
free
and
reduced
lunch
eligible
to
work
on
a
payment
plan,
so
we're
we're
trying
to
do
the
Outreach,
but
it's
really
kind
of
unfair
to
families,
and
we
recognize
that
that,
because
of
a
technical
glitch
that
we
were
unaware
of
until
about
January,
it's
hard
to
say
well
now
you
owe
us
300.
So.
G
H
S
So
similar
to
the
city
Side,
any
unspeed
budget
dollars
just
go
to
what
we
determine
as
the
bottom
line,
the
rainy
day
fund,
and
then
it
sits
there
for
future
use
and
that
I
believe,
as
Mr
Katona
has
mentioned,
we're
already
dipping
into
that
Surplus
dials
at
a
tune
of
about
2.9
Million.
So
we
are
using
those
funds
that
we've
accumulated
over
time
to
help
us
balance
next
year's
budget.
So
the
answer
question
I,
I,
think
that's
what
we're
using
those
funds
for
okay.
H
S
S
Sure
overtime
is
one
chairman
traffic
Auntie
mentioned
outside
tuitions
is
another
area
that
I'm
in
deficit
within
that
area
of
the
budget,
but
there
are
other
areas
that
I'm
also
running
a
surplus.
So
again,
as
was
alluded
to
earlier,
we
I
have
over
you
know
close
to
12
000
expenditure
accounts
so
to
try
to
manage
those
and
try
to
say
okay,
where
I'm
am
I
doing
well,
where
am
I
doing
probably,
hopefully,
at
the
end
of
the
day,
it
gets
me
to
a
balanced
budget.
H
S
H
E
E
G
E
It
so
those
are
some
of
our
outside
placements,
the
sergeant
Center
Bradley
Hospital,
Meeting
Street.
You
know
so
more
significant
needs
of
students
that
a
district
couldn't
possibly
Supply
the
entire
spectrum
of
Need.
For
every
student
we
have
some
students
who
drive
out
of
state
every
day,
because
the
program
that
is
necessary
for
them
is
not
in
even
Rhode
Island,
so
those
are
not
determined.
E
Those
needs
and
those
placements
are
not
determined
by
Joe
or
me,
or
my
staff,
that
is
determined
by
a
group
of
Highly
qualified
individuals
who
make
those
decisions
based
on
variety
of
factors,
and
it
is
our
legal
obligation
to
make
sure
that
every
student
is
in
a
program
that
meets
their
needs
and
I'm,
not
picking
on
that
line
item.
But
those
are
one
of
those
things
that
we
have
no
way
of
predicting.
E
H
Thank
you
and
my
last
question
is
there's
looking
at
the
detail,
expenditures
chest
Chester
Bowers
is
obviously
still
operating
because
we
have
the
students
from
Garden
City
there
for
the
next
fiscal
year,
there's
still
some
line
items
that
are
still
within
Chester
barrows,
but
then
also
still
with
Garden
City
School
Can.
Can
you
just
like
elaborate
I
know
some
of
them
are
zeroed
out.
H
Some
of
them
are
not
I
know,
for
example
like
gas
and
electricity
still
is
still
on
there
and
I'm
sure
it's
too
for
the
weatherization
everything
else,
but
there's
still
some
on
there.
It
was
just
curious
if
you
would
be
able
to
at
least
provide
me
with.
Is
it
are
we
not
when's
our
where?
When
are
we
anticipating,
actually
opening
Garden
City?
If
everything
goes
well?
Actually?
Okay,
because
that
might
answer
my
question.
E
The
students
who
are
at
the
old
Garden
City
School
are
at
Chester
Barrows,
once
Garden
City
opens,
which
will
occur
in
September,
so
we
should
have
it
substantially
complete
by
May
and
then
over
the
summer.
We'll
move
all
of
the
equipment
into
Garden
City
then
Garden
City
and
the
students
who
are
currently
at
Waterman
will
all
go
to
Garden
City
school,
which
will
leave
barrows
and
watermen
open
the
students
from
Gladstone,
because
Gladstone
will
be
taken
down.
So
the
students
from
Gladstone
will
then
be
divided
into
barrows
and
watermen
as
for
swing
space.
E
H
All
right,
so
that
explains
obviously
their
dollars
amount
within
the
budget
for
both
the
buildings,
yeah
and
then
having
still
both
schools
and
operations.
Clearly,
all
right-
that's
that's
all
I
have
for
now.
I
will
be
framed
from
asking
the
other
questions
for
lack
of
time
and
circle
back
later
on.
Thank
you.
So
much.
T
Thank
you.
Thank
you
to
the
superintendent,
thank
you
for
Mr
Balducci
for
all
of
your
hard
work
for
the
team
that
you
lead
and
do
a
very
great
job
for
and
with,
and
thank
you
to
the
members
of
the
public
that
have
come
here
this
evening.
Those
who
work
for
the
school
department,
teachers,
custodians
bus
drivers
and
and
more
and
those
members
of
the
public
that
are
here
just
as
involved
residents
and
also
thank
you
to
the
members
of
the
school
committee.
T
I,
you
know,
councilman
Don
again
had
stated
earlier
his
his
respect
for
the
job
that
you
do
and
I
I
have
to
agree
with
him.
You've
always
held
my
utmost
respect
for
what
you're
able
to
do
with
what
you
have
I'm.
Also,
a
person
as
as
you
may
know,
and
many
may
know,
is
that
I
don't
like
to
promise
things
that
we
can't
deliver,
and
it's
realistic
that
this
is
going
to
be
a
very
difficult
task
before
us
to
come
up
with
that
kind
of
increase.
T
Despite
it
being
you
know,
something
that
is
is
very
much
in
need.
I
know
this
has
come
up
in
past
years.
The
issue
of
retention,
not
just
with
respect
to
the
teachers,
but
also,
for
example,
bus
drivers
and
custodians
and
I
would
just
like
to
have
a
little.
You
know
insight
as
to
where
that
currently
stands
in
terms
of
retention.
E
I'm,
looking
over
at
Mr
crude
oil,
he
may
want
to
I
may
want
to
call
the
bullpen
on
this
one.
So
retention,
money
and
way
of
life
and
quality
of
life
is
critical
in
any
position,
however,
we've
had
trouble
retaining
staff
from
custodians,
bus
drivers,
teachers,
teacher
assistants
all
the
way
to
administrators.
G
E
You
know
it's.
The
whole
package
money
is
a
piece
of
it.
I
I
would
be
naive
to
say
it's
not,
but
it's
some
of
those
intangible
things
they
can
go
to
our
neighboring
District
to
our
South
and
earn
ten
thousand
dollars,
probably
right
out
of
the
gate,
but
they
don't.
They
stay
because
I
think
it's
the
the
culture
that
we've
grown
here
in
Cranston,
and
it's
happened
long
before
I've
sat
in
this
chair.
So
we
want
to
maintain
the
quality
of
of
a
working
place
for
those
folks.
E
E
U
You
know
we
look
at
our
student
teacher
population
with
very
low
numbers
coming
out
of
school
and
and
students
going
into
into
teaching,
but
we
also
have
to
the
question
was
asked
about
vacancies.
We
have
not
been
able
to
fully
staff
our
teacher
assistance
throughout
the
year.
We
have
a
large
number
of
vacancies
with
teacher
assistants
and
it's
kind
of
a
you
know
with
custodians
and
bus
drivers.
It's
an
ongoing
process.
U
We
are
participating
in
a
ride
job
here,
which
will
be
taking
place
on
on
Sunday,
May,
7th
and
Monday
May,
8th
at
the
Crown,
Plaza
and
I
last
time.
I
checked
every
District
in
the
state
will
be
at
this
job.
Fair,
so
we'll
be
competing
against
all
of
them
as
well,
and
so
it
is
a
difficult
it's
more
difficult
now
than
it's
ever
been
I
know
we
many
of
us
in
this
room
had
to
sub
many
years
before
we
even
considered
for
a
job,
and
now
right
we
can't
even
find
sex.
U
So
it's
a
very
difficult
time
for
all
the
positions
in
the
district
and
to
Echo
superintendent's
balance.
I
mean
obviously
we're
competing
against
Sally.
So
you
know
people
will
have
to
make
a
good
salary
and
although
many
of
us
are
dedicated
to
the
city
of
Cranston,
we
fully
understand
when
someone
does
what
they
do
for
the
you
know
for
the
good
of
their
family.
So
it's
become
very
difficult.
I
can
tell
you,
we
did
ask
about
specific
positions.
U
U
T
Teachers
has
it
gotten
better,
though,
in
the
last
like
couple
of
years,
I'm
just
I'm
just
curious
like
now
that
not
yet
no
okay,
that
that
was
really
what
I'm
trying
to
understand:
yeah,
okay
and
it's
not
and
it
and
because,
like
I,
said
I
hear
just
like
everybody
else.
You
know
we
know
of
people
or
someone
who's
been
a
teacher
for
a
while,
but
exactly
there's
a
different
opportunity
of.
T
U
T
G
E
Of
students
and
programs
that
we've
had
we
expanded
them
to
Cranston
High
School
East
over
the
past
three
years,
which
has
allowed
more
students
to
participate
in
the
programs
and
I
will
take
a
second
to
brag
about
our
Career
and
Technical
programs.
Here
in
Cranston,
they
are
second
to
none
and
award-winning
in
the
state,
and
that
is
a
testament
to
all
of
the
folks
sitting
behind
me
too.
E
We
do
have
to
balance
because,
as
you
know,
the
law
changed
a
few
years
ago
that
students
in
Rhode
Island,
no
matter
where
you
live.
You
can
go
to
any
CTE
program
if
you
are
accepted
to
it
throughout
the
state.
So,
if
I
had
a
child
who
wanted
to
go
to
poniganset
or
Barrington
or
Westerly
for
a
career
and
Tech
program,
they
can
do
that
and
the
city
in
which
they
live
would
have
to
pay
tuition,
so
that
has
caused
a
great
deal
of
competition
again
now
you're
competing
for
students.
E
Our
programs
do
very
well
and
we
do
bring
in
students.
It
becomes
a
problem
when
folks
who
live
in
Cranston
apply
for
their
child
to
go
to
a
program
say
at
Cranston.
West
or
Cranston
East,
and
if
we
have
a
larger
number
of
students
versus
seeds,
we
have
to
have
a
lottery.
That
is
a
state
regulation.
E
So
if
we
have
40
seats
available
in
our
culinary
program,
for
example-
and
we
have
a
hundred
students
apply
for
it,
we
have
to
have
a
lottery,
which
means
the
students
from
Cranston
are
also
in
the
mix
with
students
from
outside
of
the
district.
We
try
to
accommodate
as
many
Cranston
students
as
possible,
but
again
we
have
to
operate
within
the
regulations,
so
the
tuitions
we
bring
in
while
helpful.
E
Sometimes
it's
a
challenge
for
Cranston
students,
then
to
get
into
the
program,
so
we've
expanded,
robotics
we've
expanded,
culinary
we've
expanded
medical
Pathways
because
they
were
are
more
popular
programs.
So
we've
tried
to
expand
based
on
the
need,
but
I
do
believe.
We
are
on
the
better
side
of
the
CTE
tuition
system,
I.
So
Joe
you
find
the
the
direct
numbers.
S
So
again,
as
tuition
coming
into
the
district,
because
again
we
are
a
host
community
that
has
a
CT
Center
budgetarily.
We
bring
in
about
1.5
1.6
million
dollars
on
the
expense
side,
because,
as
the
superintendent
mentioned,
when
we
receive
notification
that
a
crimson
resident
has
chosen
to
go
to
another
school
on
the
way
it
works,
I
get
I,
get
a
tuition
bill.
G
S
I
have
to
then
pay
that
District
just
to
throw
some
District
names
out
there,
Coventry
East
Providence,
not
Kingstown
Warwick
was
the
Gloucester
Barrington
Pawtucket
Smithfield,
so
those
are
just
sample
districts
that
again,
residents
of
the
city
have
chosen
to
send
their
son
or
daughter
to
that
particular
school
system
because
of
a
pathway,
CTE
program,
those
expenses
right
now
in
next
year's
budget,
around
475
000.
So
as
the
superintendent
mentioned
we've
taken
about
one
five
one
six
and
we
spend
out
about
475.
T
And
the
state
reimbursement
the
reason
why
I
asked
that
question
and
I
know
I
know
we
talked
about
last
time
too,
is
because,
if
we're
on
the
up
side
of
that
equation
positive
side,
then
it
would
be
advantageous
to
us
if
the
state
increased
the
reimbursement
rate
and
I'm
just
not
sure.
If
there's
been
any
discussions
with
the
state
and
where
that
stands.
E
E
So
a
student
coming
from
a
district
that
has
high
poverty,
pays
a
different
amount
versus
a
student
coming
from
a
higher
socioeconomically
advantaged
District.
So
there's
you
know
all
of
that
kind
of
comes
into
play
when
students
move
from
place
to
place.
That
includes
even
students
who
come
into
our
Charter
School
thanks.
T
S
Sure
so
we
are
proud
of
the
collaborative
we
are
a
member
of.
Currently
we
have
reserved
dollars
of
about
3.2
million
dollars.
That's
due
February,
because
of
that
that
area
of
the
budget
we
have
level
funded.
So
we
have
not
increased
Health
dog
Dental,
but
I
say
that
with
caution,
because
it
doesn't
take
much
to
actually
eliminate
a
3.2
million
dollar
Surplus.
S
So
that's
an
area
I'm
concerned
about
going
into
next
year,
but
right
now
again
we
have
a
healthy
Surplus
there
and
hopefully
that
will
grow
and
this
collaborative
has
been
created
and
trying
to
manage
its
Health
costs
and
I
use.
The
example
of
so
basically
just
an
example
is
a
rebate,
the
drug
rebate
dollars.
S
So
approximately
45
months
ago
we
negotiated
with
Blue
Cross,
where
we
told
them
that
we
wanted
to
keep
the
rebate
the
pharmacy
rebate
Dallas,
because
again,
the
way
it
worked
before
that
Blue
Cross
as
an
example
are
United
Health
would
they
would
keep
it
so?
But
we
thought
that
they
were
making
money
off
of
us,
and
so
we
negotiated
a
new
agreement.
S
S
So
then
we
said:
okay
give
us
the
rebate
dollars
and
they
said
well
Joe.
Instead
of
charging
you
22
dollars
per
member
per
month,
that's
now
going
to
be
43.50
per
member
per
month.
So
we
said,
that's
fine,
because
we
still
love
the
opinion
that
the
rebate
dollars
were
going
to
be
more
substantial
than
the
added
costs
added
onto
the
the
admin
ring.
S
So
we're
proud
to
say
that
in
cranston's
particular
case,
while
we
did
spend
approximately
1.6
million
dollars
more
for
them
to
manage
the
program
through
February
of
this
year,
our
Pharmacy
rebate
is
just
on
the
5.1
million
dollars.
So
we
went
to
a
good
of
about
3.8
million
dollars.
So
there's
an
example
where
this
particular
collaborative
has
taken
steps
to
try
to
be
creative,
to
try
to
manage
the
operations
and
I
and
I
think
that
was
a
good
example
of
one.
T
T
The
last
thing
that
I
just
want
to
say
I
I,
would
be
remiss
if
I
did
not
is
that
I
too,
am
a
proud
mother
of
two
Cranston
public
school
students,
one
of
which
is
set
to
graduate
this
year
from
Cranston
West
and
one
who
will
be
entering
that
school
coming
up
to
different
personalities,
but
both
loving
the
Cranston
public
schools
and
we
as
parents
do
too
so.
Thank
you.
P
You
chairman
first
I,
want
to
thank
all
the
Cranston
Educators
in
the
room.
Both
my
children
went
to
the
Cranston
school
system
and
my
two
grandchildren
are
currently
going
through
the
Cranston
school
system
and
they
love
it.
So,
thank
you
very
much
for
your
hard
work
and
all
you
do
my
questions
for
Mr
bojushi.
You
said
you're
going
to
use
close
to
3
million
of
the
rainy
day
funds.
What
does
that
leave
you?
If
you
do
use
that.
V
Mr
chairman
the
cities,
the
rainy
day
fund,
I'm,
assuming
Mr
Balducci
speaking
of
fund
balance.
Yes,
the
city's
overall
rainy
day
fund
is
approximately
14
million
dollars
and,
if
I
just
make
caution,
you
similar
to
Mr
Balducci
the
gauge
of
a
fund
balance
in
terms
of
such
you
know
our
bond
rating
right
now,
the
the
city
has
a
a
goal
of
reaching
five
percent.
V
T
G
B
W
You
chairman
I,
would
like
to
thank
all
of
you
for
being
here
this
evening.
Thank
you
for
your
job.
Well
done
so,
as
you
know,
I
have
three
children
in
public
school
in
Cranston
and
they
are
happy
still
happy.
So
I
would
like
that
continue.
So
I
have
a
few
questions.
It's
regarding
all
the
construction
I
would
like
to
ask.
What
are
your
concerns
because
all
right,
School,
Committee
Member
Dominic,
talk
about
the
construction
and
talk
about
the
reimbursement
when
we
are
funded?
Those
calls
so
he's.
E
The
bonds
that
were
approved
in
2020
those
projects
were
developed
over
the
course
of
2018
and
19
submitted
to
the
Department
of
Ed.
We
went
through
the
whole
Bond
procedure
so
when
those
came
up
for
a
vote
in
20,
the
the
estimates
for
those
buildings
were
based
on
prices.
You
know
at
at
the
time
of
the
development
of
the
of
the
projects,
and
we
won't
you
know,
keep
rehashing
the
fact
that
over
the
past
three
years,
costs
of
everything
have
gone
up.
We're
experiencing
right
now
about
a
30
percent
increase
in
construction
costs.
E
So
to
the
point
that
councilman
Donegan
made
earlier
98.5
million
dollars
two
years
ago,
isn't
the
same
98.5
million
dollars
now,
so
our
costs
have
increased,
which
have
caused
us
to
the
term
that
Mr
Collins
uses
is
value
engineer.
So
what
we
have
done
is
for
every
project
that
we
have.
He
and
his
team
of
professionals
from
Jacobs
they
go
through.
Every
project
write
down
and
I
am
not
exaggerating
to
screws
and
nails
in
every
project
to
see
where
costs
can
be
cut
and
to
make
sure
we
stay
within
budget.
E
So
the
voters
approved
147
million
dollars.
We
cannot
go
beyond
that
spending
for
the
city,
so
right
now
we
are
operating
within
that
framework.
Our
reimbursement
runs
between
69
and
74
on
the
dollar
for
every
dollar
we
spend.
So
that's
why,
when
Mr
Fusco
was
talking
about
the
cost
of
buildings,
if
the
the
building
say
for
guidance
city
is
46
approximately
million
dollars,
then
the
city
really
is
only
responsible
for
paying
for
15
million
of
that
at
the
end
of
the
day.
E
E
V
Through
the
chair
to
the
counselor
as
a
superintendent
stated,
it
comes
in
the
form
of
Revenue
to
the
city,
but
on
the
expense
side.
What
you'll
see
is
our
debt
service
going
up?
So
as
an
example,
as
a
superintendent
stated,
we
will
issue
130
million
dollars
worth
of
bonds
to
be
paid
over
the
next
20
years.
A
mortgage
on
your
house
someone's
going
to
give
us
a
portion
back
so
we'll
deposit
that,
but
we're
still
paying
debts
Debt
Service.
So
the
budget
will
include
net
Debt,
Service
net
of
the
reimbursement.
W
When
we
have
the
bond
so
should
we
apply
right
away
or
it's
because
we
wait
because
we
didn't
know
we
cannot.
You
know
assume
that
we
will
have
this
High
weights
for
now,
but
if
it
was
it
possible
to
apply
early
on
and
we
will
not
have
to
pay
those
30
because,
as
of
now,
we
have
to
look
at
it
at
this
distribution.
E
E
So
everything
we
design
and
build
has
to
stay
within
that
and
we're
very
conscious
of
that.
We
do
not
get
reimbursed
until
the
project
is
complete,
so
whether
it's
Cranston
High
School
West,
Eden,
Park,
Garden
City.
Those
projects
need
to
be
fully
done
before
we
can
submit
for
reimbursement
to
the
state.
Now
I
will
say
that
the
department
of
Ed
we
met
with
them,
I'd,
say
about
a
month
and
a
half
ago
and
I
expressed
to
them
that
the
city
is
is
in
a
financial
area
where
some
cash
flow
would
be
beneficial
to
them.
E
E
W
E
E
The
Department
of
Education
agreed
that,
once
that
second
phase
is
done
because
we
indicated
to
them
that
we
were
putting
a
pause
on
that
part,
so
that
second
phase,
once
that
is
substantially
complete,
which
will
be
again
in
the
summer.
We
can
apply
for
reimbursement
and
get
some
cash
flow
back
to
the
city
on
that
phase
of
the
renovation
which
normally
they
want
the
whole
thing
done
before
they
give
you
money
back
and
I.
W
E
W
E
G
E
That
correct
Gladstone
stands
at
our
Mo,
our
highest
reimbursement
with
what
the
reimbursements
are
based
on
is,
if
you
hit
certain
markers
within
your
project,
if
you
are
consolidating
schools,
they
give
you
extra
reimbursement.
If
you
are
providing
Early
Learning
opportunities
for
students,
Like
Preschool,
they
give
you
more
money.
If
they,
if
the
project
includes
Career
and
Technical
education,
they
give
you
more
money
back.
E
We've
hit
the
majority
of
the
reimbursement
markers
with
guidance
with
Gladstone,
except
for
Career
and
Technical
education,
just
because
it's
in
elementary
school-
and
we
normally
do
that
in
the
higher
levels,
but
most
of
the
other
reimbursement
points
that
we
could
get
we've
we've
acquired.
So
we
we
stand
at
about
a
74
reimbursement
on
the
Gladstone
project.
Thank.
W
V
Through
the
chair
to
the
counselor
today,
we've
issued
50
million
dollars
in
notes
that
are
that
are
anticipated.
Coming
due.
This
August
cash
flow
wise
will
be
issuing
before
the
end
of
this
fiscal
year,
another
40
million
to
pay
for
Progress
payments
of
the
schools.
The
superintendent
spoke
to
so
by
June
30th,
we'll
have
approximately
90
million
dollars
worth
of
bond
anticipation
notes
by
the
end
of
this
fiscal
year.
W
Thank
you
so
I
asked
this
question
because
I
really
need
the
clarity,
so
I
know
I'm
I.
We
are
in
a
very
unique
situation,
but
I
always
think
like
this
time.
As
a
lot
of
us,
we
still
buy
houses
right
because
we
want
a
house
even
though
the
rate
is
high,
because
we
know
we
need
some
place
and
that's
why
I
think
the
investment
for
our
kids,
it's
worth
it
and
also
if
we
will
have
this
and
reimbursement.
W
E
V
Counselor,
it's
a
it's
a
catch-22
situation.
We
would
have
to
issue
the
full
amount
in
in
speaking
to
Eden
Park,
where
the
superintendent
was
talking
about.
14
million
dollars
is
a
gross
amount
of
the
construction
to
get
a
reimbursement
we
would
have
had.
You
know
we'd
have
to
bond
it,
so
we
already
have
an
amortization
schedule.
The
reimbursement
from
the
state
comes
in
20.
You
know
20
installments
over
the
20
years,
so
there
isn't
a
cash
flow
to
for
to
call.
You
know
you're
referring
to
calling
the
bonds.
V
W
E
I
think
that's
a
question
also
for
the
administration,
but
I
will
tell
you
that
the
state's
determination
that
we
are
no
longer
a
distressed
Community,
it
does
have
an
impact
on
the
city
budget,
but
it
also
has
an
impact
on
our
state
aid
and
the
the
money
that
we
get.
So
when
we
talked
about
earlier
the
the
variation
in
state
aid
to
Cranston
this
the
state
in
their
some
formula,
they
determined
that
the
city's
wealth
has
increased.
So
we
should
that's.
E
A
And
just
for
the
purposes
of
what
was
advertised
we
have
to,
we
do
have
to
keep
it
limited
to
the
the
school
budget.
So
if
you
want
to
comment
on
on
the
how
it
impacts
state
aid,
specifically,
as
you
have
that's
perfectly
fine,
in
my
opinion-
I'm-
not
the
attorney,
but
if
we
get
into
distressed
community
in
terms
of
the
city
budget,
we
we
have
to
stay
away
from
that.
W
A
If,
if
you
wish,
if,
if
the
committee
wishes
to
discuss
the
state
aid
by
all
means
discuss
it,
but
we
we
can't
discuss
the
distressed
communities
line
item
that
is
within
the
school.
I
mean
I'm,
sorry,
that
is
within
the
City
operating
budget
revenues.
I,
don't
know
if
if
the
solicitor
wants
to
opine
on
that,
but
by
all
means
councilwoman
and
superintendent
discuss
the
the
state
aid.
E
E
E
The
balance
of
that
ratio
has
tipped
toward
more
local
dollars
being
used
in
the
education
formula
again
that
that's
a
formula
done
by
the
department
of
administration
and
revenue
I
believe
in
this
in
the
state,
so
that
changed
a
couple
of
years
ago,
which
caused
us
again
to
kind
of
question
like
you
are
like
wait
a
minute
so
we're
losing
the
distressed,
communities,
money
and
we're
taking
a
hit
on
the
state
aid,
because
in
the
eyes
of
the
state
there
is
more
taxable
wealth.
Is
that
the
correct?
Okay?
E
W
N
W
You
so
my
question
will
be
next
time
for
the
administration.
What
can
we
do
because,
apparently
we
do
not
have
the
money.
So
if
we
do
not
have
the
money
and
we
lose
money,
something
has
to
be
done.
So
what
can
be
done?
What
your
you
in
the
school
committee
in
the
administration?
Would
you
be
able
to
sit
down
to
see
where
we
miss
something?
What
can
we
done?
Because
if
we,
if
it
says
we
are
wealthy
on
paper,
but
we
are
struggling,
so
we
are
here
to
solve
problems.
W
W
D
Two
councilwoman
Jermaine's
point
I,
think
that
it
is
relevant
that
we're
not
getting
as
much
distress,
Community
Aid,
because
the
less
money
that
we
have
the
less
money
we
have
to
give.
So
if
the
state
decides
that
they
want
to
give
us
that
money
with
their
610
million
dollar
Surplus
I,
think
that
we
could
share
some
of
it
with
the
schools.
So
that's
just
a
point
that
I
would
like
to
make
superintendent.
D
Did
the
state
say
why
they
were
cutting
school
aid
to
the
city
of
Cranston,
specifically
because
I
know
one
of
the
school
committee
members
mentioned
Barrington
I
think
it
was
vice.
Chair,
Fusco
and
Barrington
is
a
very
wealthy
community,
so
it
just
doesn't
seem
to
add
up
across
the
board
every
year
when
they
talk
about
the
funding
of
schools.
So
could
you
elaborate
on
that.
E
So,
for
about
a
decade
there
was
a
school
funding
formula
that
was
agreed
upon
through
the
general
assembly
years
ago,
because
and
for
those
of
us
who
have
been
around
for
20
something
years,
there
was
never
a
set
amount
of
money.
A
district
would
have
to
wait.
It
was
like
playing
the
lottery.
You
didn't
know
what
you
were
getting
so
years
ago.
E
They
decided
to
come
up
with
a
school
funding
formula
because
it
was
a
lopsided
form,
distribution
of
money
throughout
the
state
that
lasted
for
about
10
years,
and
it
was
good
because
districts
could
predict
again
not
to
the
penny,
but
could
somewhat
predict
what
they
were
getting
from
the
state.
Well,
that
formula
really
was
meant
to
only
last
about
10
years,
so
it's
done
now
and
it
ended
I
believe
during
covid.
E
So
we're
kind
of
back
to
you,
know,
spin
the
wheel
and
see
what
we
get.
It
is
based
on
our
our
number
of
pupils,
how
many
students
again
apply
for
the
free
and
reduced
lunch,
which
gets
back
to
your
point
that
it's?
If
we
don't
get
an
accurate
count
on
that,
it's
detrimental
to
us.
So
we're
working
on
all
that
there
are
some
markers
for
students,
multi-language
Learners.
E
We
we
get
some
money
for
Statewide
Transportation,
which
kind
of
comes
to
us
as
a
credit.
So
there
are
some
things
that
we
qualify
for
that
will
get
extra
money,
but
really
it's
up
to
the
governor's
purview
to
see
where
the
money
lands
in
larger
amounts
in
previous
years,
when
we
and
I'm
not
trying
to
get
political
here,
but
we
had
Folks
at
the
State
House
in
the
House
of
Representatives
who
had
positions
of
power,
we
did
better
and
now
that's
you
know
we're
we're.
Looking
at
different
people.
E
As
we
said,
Warwick
is
getting
3.2
million.
So
hey,
you
know,
don't
hate
the
player
hate
the
game,
but
that's
how
it
rolls
so
we're
looking
at
the
governor's
distribution.
So
that's
his
his
budget
to
the
general
assembly.
Now
it's
with
them,
they
can
and
I've
I've
sent
out
appeals
to
our
legislative
folks.
Just
saying
like
we
need
some
help,
because
now
you're
Shifting
the
burden
to
your
Cranston
constituents,
rather
than
the
Statewide
group
of
with
a
600
million
dollar
healthy
Surplus.
So
I
agree
with
you.
D
Thank
you
I
always
ask
this
question
but
I'm
going
to
ask
again
because
it
was
really
well
Illustrated
this
year.
Electricity
is
estimated
to
go
up
four
hundred
and
fifty
two
thousand
dollars.
So
there
are
several
programs
that
I'm
just
wondering
if
we're
participating
in
through
the
department
of
energy.
S
So
to
answer
your
question,
okay,
sure,
so
the
answer
your
question:
we
do.
We
also
utilize
the
services
of
a
partner,
silent
Sherpa
is
their
name,
so
what
they
do
for
us.
They
assist
in
giving
me
some
data.
As
far
as
Budget
Building
has
been
sent
for
next
year's
rates.
They
also
sometimes
on
a
every
six
months,
go
out
to
Market
their
work
together
and
then
they
come
back
to
us
and
say:
hey
you're
in
a
position.
S
I
think
you
should
walk
in
for
six
months
or
they
are
of
the
opinion
that
it
looks
good
for
the
next
year.
So
those
are
the
type
of
conversations
we
have
again
every
six
months.
It's
going
to
get
them.
So
that's
that's
what
they
do
for
us.
But
yes,
by
all
means.
If
there's
three
dollars
I'm
the
first
one
to
do,
the
aspirin
are.
X
X
X
Building
organization
of
all
the
RFD
circulated,
pumps,
everything
obviously
on
new
designs-
are
very
efficient.
We
actually
even
looked
into
German
Gerald
heating
thermal
heating
at
Gladstone,
but
the
cost
was
too
much,
sometimes
there's
a
balance
right.
We
want
really
efficient
stuff,
but
the
overall
initial
cost
is
way
too
much
for
that.
So
some
of
it's
kind
of
a
little
bit
of
a
balancing
act.
X
D
X
Costs
we
look
at
everything
as
far
as
that,
but
I
will
tell
you
we're
kind
of
way
ahead
of
the
curve.
As
far
as
getting
the
energy
audit,
it's
done
on
the
building
just
to
let
you
know
like
currently
we're
paying
10
cents
for
a
kilowatt
hour
of
electricity.
Four
years
ago
we
were
paying
five.
That's
where
the
issue
is
right.
Now
gas
is
kind
of
level
we're
about
the
same
but
electricity.
That's
the
big
hit
right
now.
X
D
And
then
Mr
Balducci,
this
is
for
you,
but
I.
Don't
expect
you
to
have
the
answer
right
now
throughout
this
booklet,
how
it
summarizes
the
increases
I'm
just
curious,
Cranston,
Public,
Schools
budget
District,
summary
2023-2024.,
when
it
gives
us
a
total
increase
from
salaries
and
other
compensation.
Employee
benefits,
purchase,
Services
all
the
way
down,
even
just
salaries
and
other
compensation.
I'm
curious.
If
I
could
get
a
gauge
of
how
much
of
that
is
per
classroom
teachers
versus
how
much
it
is
for
administration.
D
Because
I
think
that
is
important
to
know
across
the
board,
we
have
to
start
at
the
top
down
if
we've
increased
in
administrative
positions
that
could
be
going
to
classrooms.
I
think
that
that
is
important
when
we're
asking
for
more
money
and
then
I
would
just
also
like
to
know
how
many
grant
writers
does
this
school
department
currently
employ.
D
Is
is
there
a
possession
that
is
exclusively
writing
grants?
No,
no!
No!
So
I,
it's
mixed
into
several
people's
job
or
how
does
it
work
exactly
like
we
city
council
itself
has
a
grant
writer,
but
we
contracted
out
and
it
works
a
little
bit
differently,
obviously
than
with
the
schools,
because
you
get
grants
from
ride
and
then
you
get
in
the
federal
government,
so
I'm
just
curious
how
it
works
exactly.
E
Everyone
kind
of
takes
a
piece:
it's
not
necessarily
a
grant
writing
position
where
they
would
go
out
and
say:
oh,
you
know,
we
need
to
fund
three
teachers,
we're
going
to
write
a
grant
for
it.
The
the
federal
state
and
private
grants
are
all
managed
by
different
people.
So,
on
our
team
we
have
someone
who
manages
the
idea.
N
E
D
S
D
S
Is
that
reflected
not
in
this
particular
document?
Basically,
we
have
a
reporting
system
where,
on
a
monthly
basis,
we
have
the
notified
ride,
how
much
we
spend
at
the
end
of
the
year
as
part
of
the
audit
report,
those
ballots
are
identified,
both
revenue
and
expenses.
But
again
it
is
outside
of
this
budget.
D
Within
the
audit
probably,
but
could
we
have
it
in
a
you,
can
send
it
digitally
I'll
print
it
myself
more
of
a
slice
of
just
that,
so
we
don't
have
to
dig
through
the
audit
to
find
it
okay,
and
do
you
think
that
we
are
getting
enough
grants
superintendent?
Do
you
think
that,
having
someone
to
exclusively
be
trying
to
procure
that
funding
would
help
fund
your
budgets.
E
E
I
know:
she's,
very
aggressive
writing
grants
that
pertain
to
her
particular
department.
So
really
each
each
department
and
I
I
mean
it
can
go
down
to
the
the
chairperson
of
The
English
Department.
All
the
way
up
to
you
know
my
executive
staff
looking
for
Grants
to
hire
one
particular
person
just
to
do
that,
I,
don't
think
it
would
be
efficient
because
we
have
so
many
opportunities
spread
out
throughout
the
district,
and
we
are
aggressively
looking.
You
know,
to
shake
the
trees
whenever
we
can
with
different
things
that
pertain
to
our
district.
E
They
look
great,
but
you
have
to
put
the
money
up
first
and
that's
something
we
need
to
be
cautious
of,
because
sometimes,
oh
you
know,
here's
a
grant
we'll
apply
for
it
and,
oh
by
the
way
you
have
to
put
up
the
money
and
you'll
get
it
back
that
again
it
we
have
to
balance
if
they're
really
suitable
for
for
our
needs
and
our
budget
too.
But
ride
is
very
good
about
allowing
us
to
use
the
money
that
we
get
like,
for
example,
Title
II.
E
We
have
to
justify
all
of
those
costs
and
oftentimes
folks
see
grant
money
as
kind
of
a
you
know:
a
pot
of
gold,
even
Sr
money,
and
and
let's
face
it,
we
we're
dealing
with
arpa
money
extra
money.
It's
a
lot
of
money
coming
in,
but
those
are
restricted
funds.
We
can't
just
use
them
and
I
I.
Don't
need
to
preach
to
all
of
you.
If
you
use
those
for
recurring
costs,
you
end
up
paying
right
if
you're
not
paying,
then
you're
paying
a
year
or
two
down
the
road.
E
So
we
have
to
be
cautious
that
even
the
the
money
that
we're
getting
from
Esser,
we
use
it
very
responsibly,
because
it'll
come
back
to
kind
of
bite
you
after
when
you
sub
you
supplant
money
from
here
with
grant
money
and
the
grant
money
goes
away.
It's
still
going
to
live
here,
so
we
have
to
be
pretty
cautious
with
that.
D
You
know
metaphor
instead
of
a
pot
of
gold,
he
called
it
a
free
lunch,
so
I
just
want
to
be
clear
that
I
understand
the
process
of
Grants
and
that
even
within
the
state,
there's
grant
writers
and
then
there's
department
heads
who
help
the
grant
writer.
So
we
have
a
really
good
grant
writer
at
the
city
who
brings
in
millions
of
dollars,
in
only
you
know,
Works,
probably
10
hours
a
month,
so
I
think
it
just
might
be
something
to
look
into
to
really
procure
larger
funds.
D
G
D
E
Again,
Joe
and
I
will
sit
down
and
look
at
you
know
you
kind
of
start
back
at
square
a
we
start
doing
this
budget
in
December,
which
it's
really
kind
of
difficult
to
predict
a
budget
when
you
only
have
spending
from
essentially
September
to
November
going
into
the
next
year,
I
I'm
not
going
to
sit
here
and
say
we're
going
to
cut
this
we're
going
to
cut
this
we're
going
to
cut
this.
That
would
be
irresponsible
at
this
point.
E
Once
we
get
the
final
number
from
the
state
because,
like
I
said,
the
general
assembly
still
has
an
opportunity
to
maybe
afford
US
an
increase.
I
know
the
superintendents
Association
we're
lobbying
for
different
increases
based
on
student
needs
across
the
state,
hopefully
the
600
million.
Maybe
you
know
they're
feeling
generous
and
they
give
us
some
money.
E
Those
things
are
critical
to
our
kids.
You
know
before
we
before
I
came
here
tonight:
I
was
at
the
West
Fields
I
was
watching
Cranston
West
play
baseball,
I
have
a
personal
vested
interest
in
Cranston
West
baseball
team,
but
the
you
know
the
field
behind
me
had
a
lacrosse
game.
The
kids
are
coming
in
last
night
from
track.
E
Those
are
vital
services
that
we
provide
for
students
that
you
know
that's
the
last
thing
we
want
to
do
so.
What
we
try
to
do
is
leverage
some
of
the
energy
things
and
and
stuff
like
that.
We
don't
want
to
hurt
kids,
we
just
don't,
but
we
do
need
to
look
at
efficiencies
in
Staffing
and
I
include
my
own
team
in
that
as
well.
So
I
don't
want
you
to
think
that
you
know
the
folks
at
the
top,
get
everything
and.
N
D
C
Perry
I
will
be
sure,
as
I
usually
am
I
just
want
you
to
know
when
I
think
I
speak
for
everyone
sitting
on
this
side
that
it's
difficult
to
sit
here
and
listen
to
this
you're,
not
just
walk
into
a
room
and
write
a
check
and
say
here
you
go,
but
it's
not
that
easy
for
us
and
as
I
understand
it.
If
we
wanted
to
give
you
2.4
million
dollars,
we'd
have
to
go
into
the
budget
and
find
it
take
it
from
somebody
else.
C
So
that's
part
of
our
Agony
with
this
and
I,
don't
even
know.
If
we
have
the
authority
to
raise
taxes,
I
estimate
my
simple
math
here
and
I'm,
not
a
math
teacher
that
we'd
have
to
raise
the
tax
rate.
Another
point:
seven
five
percent
approximately
to
get
that
money,
I,
don't
even
know
if
we
have
the
authority
to
do
something
like
that.
So
I,
just
I'm
just
trying
to
give
you
perspective
here
so
I'm
not
sure
how
we're
going
to
approach
this.
We
don't
have
a
lot
of
time.
C
We
only
have
like
one
day
off
and
then
we
have
an
amendment
night.
So
it's
it's!
This
is
a
situation
where
you
know
I
plan
on
making
a
lot
of
phone
calls
tomorrow,
but
I
really
don't
like
no
promises
can
be
made.
But
do
we
want
to
give
you
the
money
I'm
sure
we
really
do,
but
can
we
give
you
the
money
I'm,
not
sure
we
can
me
personally.
N
N
C
N
A
On
that
point,
we
we,
we
are
restricted
by
the
charter
in
terms
of
the
time
frame
for
the
overall
budget
process
and
and
because
of
when
we
get
it
and
when
it
has
to
be
final
action,
which
I
believe
is
May
15th.
We
have
to
give
the
mayor
10
days
prior
to
that
before
for
him
to
be
able
to
veto
anything,
and
then
we
have
to
be
able
to
schedule
something
after
that,
so
it
really
it.
D
The
councilman
Barry's
point
I
think
it's
also
very
difficult
that
we
can't
actually
find
a
line
and
say:
hey
I
found
ten
thousand
dollars
over
here
and
now
can
we
put
it
here
and
you
fund
this,
and
you
don't
do
this.
We
just
say
here's
some
money
and
you
take
care
of
it.
So
I
think
as
we
go
through
line
by
my
first
year,
I
actually
went
through
line
by
line
because
I
didn't
know
that
I
think
it
would
be
easier
for
us
to
help.
If
we
had.
D
You
know
more
direct
contact
with
what
you
know
so
I,
don't
know
how
I
don't
it's
not
really
our
job
but
giving
the
money?
If
say
we
give
you
500
000,
we
don't
know
what
that's
actually
going
to
go
to
and
what
it's
not
going
to
go
to
and
I
think
it
would
behoove
us
in
the
future
to
and
there's
some
school
committee
members
have
mentioned
this
having
some
kind
of
a
joint
meeting
on
this
in,
like
December.
E
So
years
ago,
I'll
throw
this
out
there
to
you.
I,
don't
know
how
many
of
you
remember.
Councilman
steikos
had
offered
a
restricted
special
education
fund.
So
what
he
did
was.
He
said,
okay,
similar
to
what
you're
saying,
instead
of
us
just
giving
you
half
a
million
dollars
a
million
dollars,
we'll
we'll
give
you
250
000.
We
will
set
it
aside
in
a
in
a
restricted
fund
and
if
your
special
education,
you
know
a
particular
line
item
in,
say,
special
education
tuition.
E
D
Y
Through
the
chair,
when
councilman
Cycles
propose
that
the
concern
was
that
in
any
budget,
a
restricted
fund,
that's
earmarked
for
something,
that's
why
it's
restricted,
so
it
would
have
been
restricted
to
the
schools
if
it's
not
funded.
The
question
was:
would
it
become
maintenance
of
effort
by
default?
And
we
had
that
discussion?
If
we
go
back
three
years,
the
school
budget
had
a
four
million
dollar
shortfall
from
the
state
and
I.
Y
Did
the
research
and
I
asked
for
a
ruling
a
legal
ruling
to
say
that
if
we
left
the
four
million
dollars
in
their
budget,
not
that
we
wanted
to
take
it,
but
we
left
it
and
the
school
didn't
meet
their
commitment.
It
becomes
maintenance
of
effort
of
the
city,
which
would
have
then
again
made
a
big
structural
deficit
in
our
budget
because
we
would
add
a
fund
the
school
so
working
through.
It
is
an
agreement.
Y
What
we
did
is
we
took
it
out
of
the
school
budget
and
we
made
an
arrangement
that
if
the
city
the
state
did
fund
them,
it
would
just
become
part
of
their
budget.
So
a
part
of
the
extra
funding
that
restricted
funds
or
anything
that's
earmarked
to
the
school.
We
have
to
be
very
cautious
that
it
doesn't
become
maintenance
of
effort,
because
it
would
only
take
one
person
to
question
the
fact.
Why
didn't
the
city
pass
it
over
and
at
the
time,
even
though
it
wasn't
used
needed,
but
because
it
was
earmarked
for
the
school.
D
So
honor,
just
because
you're
already
talking
if
we
in
the
middle
of
the
year
found
that
we
are
running
a
surplus
for
the
city,
can
we
at
that
point
say
we'd
like
to
give
some
of
the
money
to
the
schools
or
it
needs
to
only
be
done
now,
and
would
that
money
become
part
of
a
maintenance
of
effort?
If
we
can.
Y
I
believe,
based
on
the
research
that
any
funding
at
any
time,
even
if
you
did
an
amendment
to
the
budget
and
it
was
transferred
to
the
school,
it
becomes
a
maintenance
of
effort
in
the
next
period.
The
concern
would
be
to
ask
the
legislature
legislation
to
give
you
an
Avenue
to
keep
regular
maintenance
of
effort
and
allow
a
restricted
fund
up
to
sum
amount
to
be
appropriated,
but
not
push
in
the
maintenance
of
effort.
So
it
would
give
a
twofold
act.
Y
The
one
thing
to
go
by
the
case
that
was
was
brought
to
the
attention
legally
was:
there
was
a
municipality
that
the
school
department
had
a
surplus
and
they
sat
with
the
city
side
of
the
Town
side
and
said:
listen
I,
know
you're
having
a
problem,
we're
going
to
give
it
back
to
you.
One
person
appealed
it.
It
went
to
court
and
the
court
said,
even
though
it
was
an
arrangement
in
agreement.
It
was
a
shortfall
on
the
city
side
because
of
the
statute
of
Maintenance
of
effort.
D
H
H
H
But
yeah,
okay
and
and
I
know
and
I
know
that
that's
what
we
have
to
do,
but
it's
just
for
the
folks
that
are
also
listening
and
watching
trying
to
get
a
sense
as
we're
trying
to
find
out
within
the
next
day.
Well
on
Thursday
on
amendments.
Where
do
we
actually
find
the
2.4
in
this
budget
and
so
I'm
sure
that
a
lot
of
us
will
be
thinking
about
that
in
for
in
tomorrow
and
on
Thursday
to
find
out?
H
But
if
we
don't
have
the
2.4
million
I
I
can't
I
can't
promise
you
I'm
going
to
give
you
the
2.4
but
I'm
going
to
promise
you
that
I'm
going
to
see
where
we
can
actually
deduct
it
from
because
as
we're
removing
from.
If
we
remove
if
I,
remove
or
provide
an
amendment
of
Public,
Works
or
every
mind,
everybody
make
an
amendment
to
remove
dollar
amounts
from
other
departments.
Whether
it's
you
know
the
planning,
whether
and
I'm,
not
saying
those
departments.
H
Because
that's
where
my
intention
is
I'm
just
trying
to
figure
out
every
we
have
to
cut
everywhere
in
a
budget
that
has
been
presented
to
us
of
3.5.
Sorry
with
a
5
million
dollar
reduction
from
last
year,
while
giving
the
taxpayers
a
1.97
tax
increase,
and
we
still
have
laid
off
and
the
mayor
laid
off
staff
right.
So
I
still
want
to
provide
not
only
a
quality
of
service
to
our
residents
in
the
city
of
Cranston.
But
I
also
want
to
make
sure
that
we
continue
to
provide
the
best
education.
F
I
have
not
analyzed
the
city
budget,
I
mean
if
that
was
not
my
job,
that's
Mr,
Perez's
job
and,
of
course,
the
finance
director
at
this
job,
all
right,
but
in
in
the
past,
as
a
councilman,
I
sat
with
your
you
said
several
years
ago,
and
we
maybe
basically
we
went
through
every
single
account
if
we
wanted
to
give
the
school
department
additional
monies
and
we
took
certain
monies
from
each
account.
That's.
F
X
H
And
some
of
the
ones
that
I've
been
looking
at
it
still
doesn't
even
amount
to
2
million.
You
know
and
I
really
I
genuine
and
that's
why,
if
any
one
of
you
that
are
sitting
here,
I'm
doing
my
homework.
But
if
any
one
of
you
that
are
here
or
that
are
watching
and
have
any
other
potential
suggestions
or
ideas.
I'm
really
open
to
that
on
how
we
can
at
least
on
my
own
can
provide
2.4
that
the
school
department
is
requesting.
F
I
mean
the
easiest
solution
would
have
been
not
to
have
a
1.9
million
1.9
percent
in
taxes
in
your
taxes
and
he
would
be
raised
the
tax
rate.
That's
the
easiest
way,
of
course,
but
you've
got
to
explain.
Taxpayers
are
not
going
to
be
too
happy
about
it.
I
mean
you
can't,
please
everybody.
That's
a
problem.
H
Again,
I
I
have
I,
am
soft
for
the
school
department
and
I'm.
That's
why
I'm
trying
to
fit-
and
you
guys
know
it
I,
you
know
I
was
in
the
finance
committee
last
year
and
I
don't
want
to
derail
from
the
conversation
we
had
last
time,
but
I
am
totally
in
support
of
trying
to
figure
out
what
we
can
do
for
the
school
department,
but
I'm
I'm
trying
to
really
pinch
pennies
here
and
figure
out
where
we
would
be
able
to
take
that.
H
E
E
E
A
A
We're
going
to
have
to
have
honest
conversations
about
that
come
Amendment
night,
but
at
that
seeing
no
other
comment
from
members
on
the
committee.
Thank
you
all
for
your
time
being
here
this
evening,
members
of
the
public
members
of
the
school
committee,
members
of
the
administration
and
our
creative
public
school
system.
Thank
you
all
for
being
here
at
this
time,
we'll
entertain
emotions.