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Westerly School Committee Meeting

January 27, 2026

Westerly Public Schools

Regular Session

School Committee Members: Also in Attendance:

Leslie Dunn, Chair (absent) Mark Garceau, Superintendent

Michael Ober, Vice Chair Steven Morrone, Assistant Superintendent

Timothy Killam, Clerk Cindy Kirchhoff, Director of Finance

Angela Goethals

Joseph Jackson

Peter Nero

Lori Wycall

1. Michael Ober called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

Roll Call: Michael Ober, Timothy Killam, Angela Goethals, Joseph Jackson, Peter Nero, Lori Wycall. Leslie Dunn was unable to attend.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

L. Wycall led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Westerly Public Schools Mission

P. Nero read: “To create an inspiring, challenging and supportive environment where students are encouraged and assisted in reaching their highest potential.”

4. 2026-27 Budget Work Session

An overview was given of the high and middle schools’ budget requests including class sizes, WHS internship coordinator position, CTE budget materials cost increase, new CTE programs, staffing changes, grade configuration, itinerant schedules, course offerings, and field trip budgets. Discussion ensued throughout the overview.

The committee discussed changing the Budget Meeting date from 2/10/26 to 2/12/26. C. Kirchhoff reported receipt of the Governor’s recommended preliminary state aid budget projection, reflecting a $172,443.00 reduction for Westerly.

5. Adjournment

M. Ober entertained a motion to adjourn at 6:00 p.m. T. Killam so moved, seconded by
A. Goethals. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

These are the minutes of the School Committee meeting identified above as approved and adopted by the School Committee on February 4, 2026.

Timothy Killam

Clerk

Details of the aforesaid proceedings are available on the website video.