Seekonk Selectmen Claim School Budget Was Not Cut

The FY’24 budget for the Seekonk Public Schools was not cut, according to the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator.

“Unlike the School Department, I am tasked with submitting a balanced budget,” Town Administrator Shawn Cadime explained. “Meaning our revenues must equal our expenses. With that, I have been able to balance the FY24 budget. The School Department’s appropriation is a three percent increase over FY 23. That represents an increase of $925,947.”

Teachers and parents were angry about proposed cuts to the arts programs at Seekonk High School. One of the speakers said it would be a “devastating loss” for the students.

Selectmen noted the school department has total control over their budget.

“If anything is cut from the school budget, it comes from the school committee,” Selectwoman Michelle Hines said at the April 12 meeting. “The school committee is a committee that does not have to tell anyone where their money goes.”

“If we level-funded the school budget, then that means we would give the exact same dollar amount (as last year),” said Selectman Justin Sullivan. “That wouldn’t even pay for teacher raises. Go back to the Superintendent, go back to the School Committee. Let them know how you really feel. This is not a political football. It’s not fair to (the teachers), it’s not fair to you as students, to be used as pawns in a political game.”

“I personally am a huge proponent of the arts in our schools,” School Committee member Noah Escaler wrote via e-mail. “Unfortunately we need to look at expenditures and requests from administration and departments.  School administration should reconsider other cuts that don't impact direct student programming. This resolution shouldn't come down to politics, we should just do what's best for our students.” 

Superintendent Rich Drolet declined to comment for this story.