Warwick Teachers’ Union to hold rally in face of Mayor Picozzi’s $3.9 million education budget cut

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Members of several Warwick educators unions and residents will hold a rally at Warwick City Hall Monday in support of the Warwick School Committee’s approved budget and in opposition to a $3.9 million education budget cut from Warwick Mayor Frank J. Picozzi.

According to a statement from Warwick Teachers’ Union President Darlene Netcoh, members of the union, along with members of the Warwick Independent School Employees (WISE, RI Council 94 AFSCME) and “concerned citizens” will gather at Warwick City Hall at 3:30 p.m.

The Warwick City Council’s budget hearing will begin at city hall at 4 p.m.

The $3.9 million cut was confirmed by Warwick School Committee Chairman Shaun P. Galligan, who added that the city will allocate an additional $409,600 from the prior fiscal year.

“The Warwick Public Schools are going to be underfunded this year, because the mayor has cut about $3.9 million from the budget that the Warwick School Committee approved on April 17, 2025,” said Netcoh.

“The mayor’s cuts will result in fewer services for students, the elimination of programs, the jeopardization of sports and extra-curricular activities, and the layoffs of Warwick teachers, support professionals, teacher assistants, clerks, custodians, maintenance workers, and other WPS personnel.”

ABC6 has reached out to Mayor Picozzi’s office for comment in this matter.