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RC,

Your argument that money could be saved by cutting the raises and new appointments from the administrative side don't hold up against the facts. Since 2015, the number of administrator positions has been reduced by 13%. That is more than the 10% reduced by the layoff of instructional teachers during the same time span. The “massive raises” that you believe the administrators just gave themselves is also not supported by the numbers. Other than the superintendent, other positions have a salary that is $800 lower than other like districts.

Teachers’ salaries are the bulk of spending in Warwick. That is not new information! 87% of teachers in Warwick are at or above the top step for pay (20 years), which means they earn a salary of $87,166. 42% are on Step 10 which means they earn a salary of $81,427. According to the WTU, the reason why so many are at the top step is because teachers must stay in the district longer to achieve full pension. This isn't a for or against teacher’s argument. Simple fact: Our teachers are paid higher than other districts and that reflects in our budget.

Everyone will have to feel the pain of cutting out line items from the budget. It is unavoidable. The important thing to remember is that it will work once everyone learns how to adjust to the new norm. It happens every day in the private sector and even within our own family. The time for finger pointing needs to be over. It is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.