Warwick school committee votes to consolidate elementary schools
By Kirsten Glavin
@kirstenglavin
WARWICK, RI – After a heated debate with residents, the Warwick school committee voted
4-1 Tuesday night, to consolidate two of its elementary schools. Holden and Wickes will be closed at the beginning of the 2018–19 academic year; one year later than originally discussed.
"The request from the public was that we hold off on consolidation for elementary to the 18–19 school year and that’s exactly what we did,” said Bethany Furtado, committee chairwoman.
More than 700 sixth graders will be transitioned to middle school in 2017, and John Brown Francis Elementary will become a pre–school. When asked about layoffs, Chairwoman Furtado declined to comment.
The consolidation is largely due to a declining enrollment in the school system. School officials expect these consolidation efforts will save millions of taxpayer dollars over the long run. A member of the consolidation committee estimated about 2.2 million per year, after the initial transitional year.
The plan to close the schools drew harsh backlash from parents, teachers and even students.
"I understand the need for consolidation in the city, however, things did not go well with the first round this year,” said Lauren Pellegrino, a Warwick teacher.
"To go through another winter without heat and as we heard from the teacher where you have steam in the classrooms…Vets just isn’t ready for this. We’re moving too fast,” added Kristin Ripley-McNamar, a Warwick teacher and parent.
The vote follows a previous round of consolidation, which included closing Aldrich and Gorton Junior High Schools. It turned Warwick Vets into a middle school.
