Warwick School District Proposes 7 Percent Budget Increase for Fiscal Year 2027

WARWICK — March 18, 2026 — Warwick School Committee holds budget hearing on a proposed $1.27 million FY27 school operating budget, up 7 percent. Business Administrator Matt Vopola presented the figures at the March 18 hearing, showing a net decline of roughly $48,000 in Chapter 70 state aid and a 22 percent drop in other revenues including the sunsetting of the New School Ventures grant, which provided $40,000 in its final year, and the loss of a $99,000 social-emotional learning grant. To offset the revenue losses, the district is projecting school choice enrollment to grow from seven students to 25, generating $125,000 in state pass-through revenue. The school's demand on local tax revenues rises to $1,287,039 — a 17.7 percent increase — once reduced state support is factored in. Health insurance for school and town employees is budgeted at $175,000 after the town absorbed two consecutive 20 percent rate increases during fiscal year 2026. Superintendent Carol reported 100 percent teacher retention and noted the district has been recognized as a state Green Ribbon School, with a ceremony scheduled for May 27.