MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL AND
SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024, at 6:00 P.M.

CUMBERLAND TOWN HALL, EVERETT “MOE” BONNER, JR. COUNCIL CHAMBERS

45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND, RHODE ISLAND

 

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:03pm.

 

In person: President Kinch, Councilors Shaw, Magill, Metivier, Schmitt and Beaulieu.

Absent: Councilor Bradley

 

School Committee Chair Karen Freedman called the School Committee meeting to order at 6:03pm.

 

In person: School Committee Chair Karen Freedman, members Denis Collins, Kerry Feather, and Keri Smith; Superintendent Philip Thornton; District Business Manager, Timothy McGrath

 

DISCUSSION:

a.   Pre-Budget consultations and three-year forecasting with the School Committee pursuant to the requirements of RIGL 16-2-21 through 16-2-21.3

 

Dr. Thornton introduced the school department’s new business manager, Timothy McGrath.

 

Dr. Thornton reported that enrollment is up with 5,093 students; enrollment is directly related to State Aid. State funding should go up as per the funding formula. Cumberland is up $1,500,000, and it should increase to about $2,000,000.

 

Mr. McGrath spoke to the increase of that $1.5 million in the state budget; and reported that the services of major vendors are out for bids. The major budget drivers that encompass about 85% of budget are: labor, transportation contracts, added district tuitions.

 

Students are returning from BVP; The Town/school department insurer WB Health has gone out to bid for a prescription drugs contract which may result in about $300,000.00 in savings on claims.

 

Councilor Beaulieu stated that she was unaware that the governor has the authority to reduce the school department’s allocation for state funding; and engaged in discussion with the superintendent and business manager.

 

Mayor Mutter suggested they have someone come in from WB Health to speak on the health prescription plan savings.

 

Mr. McGrath stated that the school department ended FY2023 with a fund balance of $5.3million; budgets are not finalized until late June, that figure might fluctuate.

 

Mayor Mutter showed a brief presentation reviewing the 2023 financial statements and 5-year debt service projections.

 

Ms. Freedman acknowledged that the summer transportation bids are coming in and they anticipate an increase over the previous year as well as with the union contracts.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Mayor Mutter referenced a recently passed resolution for an agreement with Oshean regarding better internet & security levels, and thanked school tech specialist Mr. Chandler for his assistance in aiding & advising while they negotiated those items.

 

School Committee Chair Karen Freedman called for a motion to adjourn. Member Denis Collins moved, member Keri Smith seconded, to adjourn at 6:28pm.

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 6:28PM. VOTE 6/0

 

 

 

 

_____________________________
             Sandra M. Giovanelli, Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

FOR A FULL ACCOUNT OF THIS MEETING PLEASE REFER TO THE VIDEO RECORDING ACCESSIBLE ON THE TOWN’S WEBSITE, www.cumberlandri.org.