Bill > H5252

This bill creates a five-member Warwick Public Schools Budget Commission to address the financial challenges of the Warwick school district, with members appointed by the mayor, city council, school superintendent, and school committee chair. The commission will have broad powers to manage the school district's finances, including amending and executing the annual school budget, implementing uniform budget guidelines, amortizing operational deficits, and developing a comprehensive financial plan within 120 days of appointment. The commission is empowered to approve all school expenditures, adopt operational rules, and conduct financial audits, but is explicitly prohibited from altering collective bargaining agreements, hiring or firing personnel, or impacting bond-funded projects. The commission will remain in place until the fiscal year 2025-2026 school budget is approved by the mayor and city council and a deficit reduction plan is adopted and approved by the auditor general. The bill emphasizes that the commission's actions are intended to preserve educational opportunities and the welfare of Warwick's citizens, and commission members are protected from civil liability for actions taken in their official capacity. The legislation will take effect immediately upon passage and supersedes any conflicting local or state laws.

Budget and Finance, Education

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