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WHS BOND REFERENDUM: ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, ISSUES, AND CONCERNS

WHS BOND REFERENDUM: ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, ISSUES, AND CONCERNS. 2 August 2008. (Willetts suggested changes in large, red, bold, font).

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WHS BOND REFERENDUM: ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, ISSUES, AND CONCERNS

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  1. WHS BOND REFERENDUM: ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, ISSUES, AND CONCERNS 2 August 2008 (Willetts suggested changes in large, red, bold, font)

  2. ?? August 2008Dear Citizens of Westerly;The School Committee urges you to approve the bond referendum for improvements to Westerly High School when you vote on 4 November. The bond will finance improvements that are needed urgently in order for Westerly to continue to provide a quality education to our students. Through the detailed efforts of the referendum subcommittee, which is made up of citizens from every neighborhood in the town, we have developed a detailed list of questions, concerns and issues concerning the referendum. We also have provided accurate, clear and concise answers to each question, concern, and issue. Please read this document carefully. We trust these answers will resolve any reservations you have about the need for the referendum and will earn your support at the polls.We recognize that there is no good time to pass a bond and that some of our citizens are facing economic challenges. We are committed to using the bond monies wisely and only for what is authorized. The School Committee firmly believes that the benefits of passing the bond, which will allow our schools to better prepare our students to be productive members of our town, which will help to maintain property values, and which will allow Westerly to attract quality businesses, significantly outweigh the challenges that the bond may create. Sincerely Yours, Nancy Burns-Fusaro Chairperson Westerly School Committee

  3. Concern about taxes Q: What will be the total cost, adding principal and interest, if the State does reimburse 30% or $9,000,000 of the principal? A: The total cost of the bond (principal + interest) is estimated to be $48M, less the 30% reimbursement annually, totaling $14M yields a true cost to the town of $34M over the 20 year life of the bond. This equates to $1.7 annually. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.) The principal will be based on the independent review by A/Z Corporation and could be less than $30M. The Town Finance Director suggested using a 5% interest with a 20 year life. First Southwest Company (Lincoln, RI) handles financial matters related to the bond. Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP (Providence, RI) handles legal matters related to the bond.

  4. Concern about taxes 2. Q: What will be the total cost, adding principal and interest, if the State does not reimburse 30% or $9,000,000 of the principal? A: The total principle and interest for the life of the bond is estimated to be $48M. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

  5. Concern about taxes 3. Q: What are the specific terms of the 30% matching grant from the State that we are told about? We were told last time was our last chance. Now we are told the same. A: Based on information from the Town Finance Director and RIDE, the bond will have a 20 year life, 5% interest rate and be reimbursed at 30% (principle and interest) by the Rhode Island Health and Education Building Corporation. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.) Legislation was introduced this year to take the reimbursement away from all municipalities, including Westerly. The legislation failed. It is possible that if we do not take advantage of this funding source, legislation will be reintroduced next year and MAY pass.

  6. Concern about taxes Q: How much can we trust the State, facing deficit problems of its own, to keep its word and reimburse that 30%? A: We have written confirmation from The Rhode Island Department of Educationconfirmed, in writing, on dated 23 July 2008 confirming that the State will reimburse Westerly for the project at the rate of 30%.

  7. Concern about taxes Q: For how much longer can we trust the State, facing deficit problems of its own, to keep its word and reimburse that 30%? A: At present, bBased on the most recent documentation from RIDE, dated 23 July 2008, there is no deadline for the 30% reimbursement to expire. However, based on noting the State’s fiscal situation, this may change in the future, if we do not commence this project. In the last session of the Legislature, a bill was introduced that would have eliminated reimbursement to all cities/towns having school construction projects pending (not actually started). The legislation was defeated, but there is no guarantee that similar legislation will not be reintroduced in the future. If so, and if we have not committed to and commenced the project, we might then lose our opportunity for 30% reimbursement.

  8. Concern about taxes 6. Q: What happens if voters pass the bond, and the State then reneges upon reimbursing that 30%? A: See previous question. The total cost of the bond is estimated to be ~$48M. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.) We do not believe that the State could do that. Promptly upon bond passage we shall commence the project, so we fully expect that the State must perform the 30% reimbursement promised to us on July 23, 2008. Only if the bond were to be rejected in November could the Rhode Island Assembly possibly eliminate future 30% reimbursements, from separate future projects. DELETE SLIDE

  9. Concern about taxes Q: Where is this 30% State reimbursement commitment document, so we can read it ourselves? A: The document will be posted on the WHS referendum subcommittee website by August xx, 2008 at www.//httl: xxxxx. When? Let’s get this on the website asap.

  10. Concern about taxes Q: What will be the expected interest rate for this borrowing? A: 5% per input from Town Finance Director. (DS: Current estimate by our bond issuance firm which will be updated as required; unfortunately, the trend is upward, so delays in approval of this bond could saddle future taxpayers with higher interest rates and higher payments.) DELETE SLIDE

  11. Concern about taxes 9. Q: Where is this school bond financial impact statement, so we can see how this will affect our future finances? A: The town budget will increase by two factors: bond payment and “normal” operational increase. The bond payment impact to the tax rate will be .26. Cost control measures will reduce the impact of these two factors. A When a request for debt service exemption is submitted and approved, the .26 increase will be over and above whatever increase is determined by the Westerly Town Council. The “bond cost model” spreadsheet will be finalized and used in the communication material for the citizens. It is important to lay this out clearly and carefully. See Question 22: with an approved exception for the bond debt service, the tax increase could be double what it would be otherwise (under the 4.75% cap). However, without the exception, multi-million $ reductions in operating expenses would be required to absorb the bond cost. Neither is a especially attractive alternative. This applies to all the subsequent slides on tax impact.

  12. Concern about taxes 10. Q: By how much will this bond raise our taxes – if the State does reimburse 30%? A: The median assessed value of a home in Westerly is $350,000. For such a home, passage of this bond will increase the annual tax levy by $92.15. This assumes no concurrent budget reductions. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

  13. Concern about taxes Q: By how much will this bond raise our taxes – if the State does not reimburse 30%? A: The median assessed value of a home in Westerly is $350,000. For such a home, passage of this bond will increase the annual tax levy by $131.65. This assumes no concurrent budget reductions. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.) DELETE SLIDE

  14. Concern about taxes 12. Q: How much will it cost the Town each year to pay off the bond debt, and for how many years – if the State does reimburse 30%? A: Passage of this bond will oblige the Town to pay $1.7M for 20 years. This is a net figure (bond service less reimbursement). (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

  15. Concern about taxes 13. Q: How much will it cost the Town each year to pay off the bond debt, and for how many years – if the State does not reimburse 30%? A: Passage of this bond will oblige the Town to pay $2.4M for 20 years. (See cost model spreadsheet for details.) However, we must stress emphasize thatwe have written confirmation from RIDE, Rhode Island Department of Education, that the State will reimburse the 30%.

  16. Concern about taxes 14. Q: Do these yearly repayment costs get added to future school budgets? Will there be less room in future school budgets for teachers and programs? A: Possibly. The net impact of the bond (payment less revenue) will be an expense to the Town of Westerly. Therefore, it does impact the Town’s ability to fund teachers and programs.

  17. Concern about taxes 15. Q: Will this reduce future School or Town budgets? A: Possibly. The added annual net cost of the bond (payment less revenue) will reduce the flexibility of the Town and School budgets. This will have to be managed with all feasible cost reduction measures. The cost model working group will make recommendations for the Westerly School Committee to consider. On the positive side, heating plant and window replacement investments Renovations provided for in the bond will result in substantial productivity and energy savings to offset the cost of bond these costs.

  18. Concern about taxes 16. Q: How much more taxes will the average $350,000 homeowner pay per year for this and for how many years – if the State does reimburse 30%? A: Preliminary analysis indicates taxes on a $350,000 home would go up $92.15 annually for the life of the bond (20 years).

  19. Concern about taxes Q: How much more taxes will the average $350,000 homeowner pay per year for this and for how many years – if the State does not reimburse 30%? A: Preliminary analysis indicates taxes on a $350,000 home would go up $131.65 annually for the life of the bond (20 years). However, we emphasize must stress that we have written confirmation from RIDEthe Rhode Island Department of Education on July 23, 2008, that the State will reimburse the 30%.

  20. Concern about taxes Q: How much more taxes per $100,000 of property assessment will a homeowner pay per year and for how many years – if the State does reimburse 30%? A: The bond is estimated to increase the tax rate by $0.26 per $1,000 of assessed value. This would equate to $26.00 per $100,000 of assessed value. The increase would be in effect for the life of the bond (20 years). (See cost model spreadsheet for details.)

  21. Concern about taxes Q: How much more taxes per $100,000 of property assessment will a homeowner pay per year and for how many years – if the State does not reimburse 30%? A: The bond is estimated to increase the tax rate by $0.38 per $1,000 of assessed value. This would equate to $38.00 per $100,000 of assessed value. The increase would be in effect for the life of the bond (20 years). (See cost model spreadsheet for details.) However, we emphasizemust stress that we have written confirmation from RIDEthe Rhode Island Department of Education on July 23, 2008, that the State will reimburse the 30%.

  22. Concern about taxes 20. Q: How do you expect retirees, widows, and people on fixed incomes, with increased fuel, food, utility, and other costs, to pay these increases? A: We recognize that there is no good time to pass a bond just as there is no economically good time for a family to have and pay all future expenses of a new child. andWe also recognize that some of our citizens are facing economic challenges. However, we believe that this is the best time it is a better time to pass the bond now than it will ever be in the future. The facilities improvements are needed, the investments in energy savings will pay for themselves within a very few years, and construction and inevitable future bond interest costs only will increase what we would have to pay very soon anyway. We are committed to using the bond monies wisely and only for what is authorized. The SC firmly believes that the benefits of passing the bond,which will allow our schools to better prepare our students to be more desirable college candidates, to have more desirable, and marketable job skills, and to be more productive members of our town.A superior school system, teaching with the best modern technology, will help to maintain property values, and which will allowhelp Westerly to attract quality businesses, willmaintain strong property values, and will significantly outweigh the challenges that the bond may create. We are committed to using the bond monies wisely and only for what is authorized.

  23. Concern about taxes Q: What reasons can you give these people on fixed incomes, and increased costs, to pay these increases? A: Investment in superior Eeducationoffor our community’sand our friends’ and neighbors’ children has to be a priority for any citizen is not only fair, but a basic duty of all citizens. We recognize that there is no good time to pass a bond just as there is no economically good time for a family to have and pay all future expenses of a new child. andWe also recognize that some of our citizens are facing economic challenges. However, we believe that this is the best time it is a better time to pass the bond now than it will ever be in the future. The facilities improvements are needed, the investments in energy savings will pay for themselves within a very few years, and construction and inevitable future bond interest costs only will increase what we would have to pay very soon anyway. We are committed to using the bond monies wisely and only for what is authorized. The SC firmly believes that the benefits of passing the bond,which will allow our schools to better prepare our students to be more desirable college candidates, to have more desirable, and marketable job skills, and to be more productive members of our town.A superior school system, teaching with the best modern technology, will help to maintain property values, and which will allowhelp Westerly to attract quality businesses, willmaintain strong property values, and will significantly outweigh the challenges that the bond may create. We are committed to using the bond monies wisely and only for what is authorized. Better schools means better towns which will attract more and better local businesses. More businesses will mean better property values and more tax income for the town. There is a long, documented history that the renovations are needed. If you are doubtful, Please call the Superintendent and ask for a tour of the high school. He will be glad show you the school and the areas that need improvements. The longer we wait, the more the construction costs will increase. It is simply a situation of “pay now or pay more later.” The State can deny accreditation if the facilities are not up to standards. WHS has been was placed on probation because of poor facilities after the 1989 NEASCvisitinspection. While not guaranteed, this could happen again if we don’t make necessary improvements. (Check with Dr. DiPaola on any correction taken post-1989 NEASC visit.)NEASC will review the school again in March 2009. “If” WHS loses accreditation becomes compromised, our students’ college applications will have will also be compromisedhave more difficulty being accepted into colleges, as those institutions will view WHS as being less competitive than other schools. In addition, loss of accreditation could impact on And compromised accreditation discourages any good new business, and its employees,from moving into Westerly. Employees of these business would not want to move to a town with a high school that is not accredited.

  24. Concern about taxes Q: Will Westerly be able to pay the extra money for this bond every year - without exceeding the spending caps? A: The bond, if passed, will have a $0.26 impact on the tax rate, assuming no other changes. The tax rate for the 2008-2009 budget is $8.87. In order to answer this question, one would have to know what other savings initiatives and other revenue would be considered. However, State law allows debt repayment to be separate from and to exceed the caps. Nonetheless, every feasible savings opportunity should be employed to reduce the tax impact of bond passage. Paying for this bond without exceeding the tax levy cap would require a multi-million reduction in current levels of staff and services across the Municipal and School depts. The current (new) budget includes an increase of $0.27; assuming a similar increase next year, the bond would approx double the tax increase seen by the taxpayers without significant offsetting savings.

  25. Concern about taxes 23. Q: Please explain the budget spending caps? A: Rhode Island General Law §44-5-2 (Paiva-Weed Law, aka: S-3050) limits the tax levy increase. Starting in FY2007, the increase was limited to 5.25%. The percentage will decrease each year (5.25%, 5%, 4.75%, etc.) until the increase levy flattens at 4% in FY2013. Keep in mind that requesting a debt service exception for the bond requires a super-majority (6 of 7) vote of the Town Council which is certainly a risk; and if it were not achieved, the reduction in operating budgets would be in the $2.5 mil area to absorb the bond cost. On the other hand, if it were achieved and approved at the state level, the property tax levy increase could be in the range of 9-10%. NOTE: The Town will have to balance increased energy and healthcare costs with an increased debt service. This is similar to budget pressures on one’s home. If one area increases, other areas are cut back to minimize impact.

  26. Concern about taxes 24. Q: What will this do to Westerly’s bond rating? A: Passage of this bond is not expected to lower the bond rating of the Town (currently AA). “Standard & Poor’s rating agency upgraded Westerly’s municipal bond rating from A+ to AA, the highest rating the Town has ever received. Ratings are assigned on numerous economic, financial, institutional and political factors, but overall long-term fiscal stability and an increasing general fund balance are key. At the end of the fiscal year, Westerly closed with a budget surplus of about $2.5 million and an increased fund balance of approximately $1.25 million. Credit ratings are key because they show not only the credit worthiness of the Town, but affect the cost of borrowing.” – Town of Westerly Website

  27. Concern about taxes Q: What other expensive bonds will be sprung upon Westerly? A: On 24 July 2008, Mr. Turo, the Town Manager, stated that he does not see the Town requiring any additional bonds to support repair of any of the Town’s infrastructure. He stated that the only town building that might require any repairs would be the old policey station. However, he also stated that as the Town Manager, he would not recommend a bond issue to make those repairs.

  28. Distrust of the system 26 Q: Didn’t the school Phase I waste $13,000,000 on high school landscaping last time? A: This question is incorrect. No.During Phase I, only $767,696 was spent in this area. This included the cost of landscaping, the bridge connector to Babcock Hall, and a campus irrigation system, and data cable communication connections between the two high school buildings. Also, $230,000 ? Of this? was used to fulfill a commitment made to the adjoining neighbors of the high school to eliminate parking on the street and around Bellevue Ave.

  29. Distrust of the system 27. Q: Didn’t the school department get money for new high school windows twice in the 1990’s and never did replace those windows? A: This statement is false. No.Under the system directed by the Town charter, monies for major facilities improvements, such as windows, must be a part of the capital improvement budget, approved by the Town Council. Mr. Sposato has checked the capital improvement budgets on file at the Town Hall from 1990 to the present. The only capital improvement item for windows in the school system approved by the Town Council was in the FY 1992-1993 budget. The amount was only $19,000. And, the specific school the money was to be used for was not listed.

  30. Distrust of the system 28. Q: Why did the school department announce that recent $930,000 budget deficit as a surprise earlier this year? Can we trust them? A: The School Department identified the likelihood of a budget deficit early in the 2007-2008 school year. As of 5 Feb 08, the SC was briefed in open session that a deficit might occur. At that time the deficit was projected to be $305,677. Since that time, the deficit has increased to $930,000. The revised budget for FY 09 corrects this deficit from within. The SC School Committee will not have to ask the Town for additional funds. The Administration and the SC School Committee have committed to made an important commitment for much tighter financial management and oversight going forward,. We have put in place the ability to and will monitor and report financial issues on a monthly basis.

  31. Distrust of the system 29. Q: Why doesn’t the school system maintain its schools? A: We do. Recent findings by the Facilities Management Committee indicated in a reported to the School Committee that the schools have been are being well maintained throughout the years. The Westerly School Department WPSmaintains the schools to the best of its ability, based on the financial assets provided. Of course, there is always room for improvement. For many years, budget cuts made by the Planning Board, Finance Board and the Town Council to capitoal improvement requests from the School Committee have contributed to thispast problem.sAlso, Recent findings by the Facilities Management Committee indicated in a report to the School Committee that the schools have been well maintained throughout the years. We incurred and accepted a recent deficit because of our commitment to ongoing maintenance. Had we neglected maintenance this year, we could have greatly reduced that deficit . The Director of Maintenance maintains a logbook for work done at each school. This logbook is available for review by anyall taxpayers. Anyone who has a specific criticism onabout maintenance should contact the Superintendent, who will be glad to discuss the specific issue with them. We can’t change the past, but we are committed to the future. The current School Committee has demonstrated its commitment to maintenance. Anand an example would be the WMSthe Westerly Middle School. We incurred a deficit because of our commitment to maintenance. Did not cut school maintenance funding when TC established a maintenance fund (Taken from WPS operating budget) to maintain schools. ?

  32. Distrust of the system 30. Q: What assurance do we have that the school department will maintain its buildings better in the future? A: This is one of the documented goals and objectives of the current School Committee. In the past two budget years, no monies were cut or moved from the maintenance account. The age of some of our schools is a contributing factor to the perception that schools have not been properly maintained. The condition of the three newer schools, Dunns Corners, Springbrook, and the Middle School contradicts this perception. The School Committee’s refusal to cut maintenance funding in SY 07-08 was one of the reason the District incurred a deficit. We can not change the past but are committed to the future

  33. Distrust of the system 31. Q: Why does the St. Pius School, built in 1870, look so good, when our schools do not? A: This is not an equitable comparison. There is much less foot traffic through St. Pius compared to any of the public schools. St Pius is a much smaller facility – with no gymnasium, no cafeteria., … The parents/families of St. Pius students can participate regularly in building/grounds upkeep without grievance. What are we going to do about such foolish and costly union grievances at the next contract? Also, St. Pius was vacant and not used for many years (so, again, there was not as much wear and tear as some of the Westerly Public Schools). St. Pius recently completed a building fund project which led to many of the current improvements and renovations. Finally, in accordance with State law, WPSthe Westerly School Department must providesand pay for bus transportation for St. Pius schools, which means St. Pius does not have to spend money on transportation. The school can use this money for facilities.

  34. Distrust of the system 32. Q: Why does my child have to go on a bus to the Bradford School when we have a school nearby? A: Some students needed to be moved due to teacher lay-offs, and to maintain lower class sizes at the elementary levels. The School Committee has made a commitment to minimize these types of situations and will try to honor any parental requests to have students attend the elementary school in the district in which they live.

  35. Distrust of the system 33. Q: When are you going to level with us about school closings? A: The School Committee has been honest and forthright with all information regarding the potential closing a school. The School Committee is still in the discussion stage regarding studying this matter andbut no decision has been made at this point in time. During this discussion stage, the TheSchool Committee will keep parents and the community aware of what is taking place every step of the way. We also will expect, welcome, and encourage parent and community input at School Committee meetings that will be scheduled concerning this issue and any other budgetary items. Also, the SCSchool Committee will send out information to parents when schools open in the late summer of 2008. The SC is beginning to study a District reorganization plan. There will be public forums. By 1 November 2008, the SCSchool Committee will announce its plan for reorganization of the District. Also, the SC will send out information to parents when schools open in the late summer of 2008.

  36. Distrust of the system 34. Q: Why did the Phase I contractor get to recommend what to spend, then do the work, and also be the watch dog of its own work? A: We were not on that project and cannot explain it. We plan to do this project with a much better structure – like the police station - which came in under budget and ahead of schedule. However, we wish to stress that the WMS project came in on time and under budget. The WHS renovation project team, if approved by the voters, will be organized differently than past school projects.

  37. Distrust of the system 35. Q: Why did the school department spend so little on kids’ textbooks last year? A: WPS spends as much funds as possible on textbooks. We would like to spend more, but funds are not always available. We have allocated our limited funds as best we can. In the most recent year which audit figures are available from the State, WPS spent an average of $333/student for instructional materials. This is a total of over $1.1 million. This represented a total of 2.3% of the school budget for that year. In comparison, for the same time period, the Statewide average was $183/student or 1% of the total budget. Specifically, South Kingston schools spent $149/student or 1% of their total budget. Chariho schools spent $146/student or 1% of their total budget. North Providence schools (similar demographically to Westerly) spent $133/student or 1% of total budget. This data is reported to RIDE in the state accounting program IN$ITE and is available for review at the RIDE IN$ITE website.

  38. Distrust of the system 36. Q: Why are there so many administrators who do not get laid off when teachers do? A: This is not a true statement. In 2007, the central office staff was reduced by 3 personnel through attrition. The Superintendent did not fill business manager’s position, the federal program director’ position and the benefits coordinator’s position in the last school year once the individuals holding these positions retired. The duties of these 3 personnel were assigned to other staff persons. WPS also does not have a dedicated human resources manager. It is a collateral duty of the Director of Finance. All staff is subject to lay-offs and based on SC discussions, recommendations from the Superintendent and contractual obligations decisions are made regarding lay-offs. We can assure you that all administrative positions have been closely scrutinized in the past and will be in the future. We feel all existing staff is vital to the operation of the Westerly School District. We certainly realize however, that due to budgetary limitations some of the positions may need to be eliminated or reduced in the future, resulting in the absorption of the duties of these positions among other staff. Also, Westerly Public Schools administrative staff is low compared to other similar school districts throughout the State.

  39. Distrust of the system 37. Q: Why can’t we get prompt, direct answers at School Committee meetings? The Town Council answers all of our questions. A: This is not always the case and at Sometimes, we are not at liberty to respond immediately. If there is a concern or question we can not answer, we usually direct the Superintendent to follow up in a timely manner with the person who has raised the question. The School Committee recognizes the public dissatisfaction with this matter and is looking to change its Citizen Input format to allow for more information and responses during School Committee meetings.

  40. Distrust of the system 38. Q: When are we going to get highly experienced professional school labor negotiators, instead of the school solicitor, to protect us during labor contracts? A: The School Committee has voted to send out an RFP (Request for Proposal) for a experienced, professional school labor negotiator to represent us during contract negotiations with the WTA. WPS will have to pay for a independent negotiator out of its operating budget. Town Councilors previously proposed that the Town pay for such negotiators, but were ungraciously rebuffed.

  41. Distrust of the system 39. Q: Is it true that the last school contractor got a company bonus for doing so well for his company after Phase I? A: This is outside the scope of the sub-committee’s remit and knowledge. We do not have access to such information and do not know.

  42. Distrust of the system 40. Q: Why did the Phase I make a fancy high school campus and then include no walkway awning weather protection between the buildings? A: Phase I, which was approved by the voters, did not include a plan for a walkway. Phase I created something similar to a college campus by combining the Ward and Babcock buildings into one campus. College students rarely have inter-building weather protection. Our students have learned to dress for the weather. This project is trying to save money, so it is unlikely to add the expense of a walkway, which is estimated at over $1 million.

  43. Distrust of the system 41. Q: Did the Phase I school construction ever complete its audit requirement? Was the audit officially approved? Are we in compliance and legally able to start Phase II? A: On 24 July 2008, Mr. Turo, the Town Manager, stated that there was no legal requirement for the Town to conduct a formal audit of the Phase I project. The Town did have an outside auditing firm review Phase I invoices and payments. “No significant discrepancies” were brought to the Town Manager’s attention. The auditing firm did recommend that in the future the town employ its own “clerk of the works” for such construction projects. We plan to employee such an individual for the work at WHS.

  44. Distrust of the system 42. Q: Where can we find the written Phase I audit report and proof of its acceptance? A: On 24 July 2008, Mr. Turo, the Town Manager, stated that there was no legal requirement to have a formal audit of the Phase I project. The Town did have an outside auditing firm review Phase I invoices and payments. “No significant discrepancies” were brought to the Town Manager’s attention. DELETE? No.

  45. Distrust of the system 43. Q: Why don’t we get believable figures on the costs of Town versus private bussing? A: In the past the WPS has sought proposals to privatize transportation and has assessed the benefits of whether to continue operating our own fleet of buses or to contract for these services. At that time, the SC felt it was more cost effective and responsive to maintain our own fleet of buses. It is planned that We plan, once the State of RI implements the statewide system for out-of –district transportation (estimated to be completed in the fall of 2008) Westerly willto again seek bids to compare and analyze the benefits or not of contracting these services orversus operating the existing fleet. However, we have spoken to the Superintendent of North Kingston schools, which uses an outside vendor to provide bus services to his district. He was envious that Westerly maintains its own bus fleet, stating how increased costs and lack of responsiveness were hindering his districts efforts.

  46. Distrust of the system 44. Q: Why does the school department keep claiming that its schools are high-performing when student test scores are not? A: “High Performing” is a State of Rhode Island definition that we are always happy to hear and cannot resist passing on. All of our schools are rated “High Performing” by the State. But, Westerly’s paramount goal remains to provide the best education possible for our students. WPS continually is looking to identify/evaluate its strengths and weaknesses in terms of student performance. Our goal is to improve continually in all aspects of student performance

  47. Distrust of the system 45. Q: Why does it cost over $14,000 per student to educate our children? A: The cost to educate is broken down into 5 major areas: Instruction (teachers, substitutes, teacher assistants, instructional materials/textbooks and technology) Instructional support (guidance, school health, libraries, extracurricular activities, professional development, social workers, etc.) Operations (transportation, food service, safety, building maintenance, and business operations Leadership (administrators and central office staff) Other commitments (retiree benefits, capital projects, etc.) The RIDE 2006-2007 (the most recent audited figure available) show that the cost per student in Westerly was $14,298. In comparison during the same time period, the cost per student Statewide was $13,390. At Chariho, the cost was $14,119. At South Kingston, the cost was $14,633. At North Providence, the cost was $12,904.

  48. Distrust of the system 46. Q: Why did the school committee try so hard to reject recommended accounting standards and reporting its finances to the Town which pays its bills? A: We can not change past perceptions. The School Committee is committed to the openness and accounting standards required by Rhode Island General Laws, Title 16, 45, and included the Westerly Town Charter.

  49. Distrust of the system 47. Q: Why didn’t the school department act on the study RISC paid for? Why is there such reluctance to speak to people who propose more efficiencies? A: RISC submitted that Education Partnership report late in the negotiations and it contained very little new data. Negotiations with WTA started in October 2005. The Education Partnership report was received July 2006. Negotiations were almost complete by that time. The report was a restatement of data that WPShad itself provided to the Education Partnership. There was nothing new in the report. The School Committee already had committed to all of the goals mentioned in the report. The Committee was successful in achieving some of its goals (for the first time all teachers pay 10% of health care insurance costs) and were unsuccessful in other areas. That is the nature of negotiations. Please note: the Education Partnership recently was discredited. It filed for receivership in July 2008. Its own Ffinancial records were reported to be in disarray.

  50. Distrust of the system 48. Q: Why does the school department bow to the unions? A: We are working towards reducing cost through careful negotiations. We have made some positive strides. In the last WTA contract, for the first time, every teacher pays 10% of their health care coverage costs. (Unless those costs rise steeply, in which case all teachers, not just the recently obligated ones, transfer the copayments back to the taxpayers. So all teachers could end up paying well less than 10%. That’s one reason why we need an experienced, professional school labor negotiator, who frequently negotiates school contracts with unions, instead of local general solictors.) The School Committee committed to having labor agreements that address the issue of public concern. The School Committee has sent out an RFP to obtain an experienced, professional school labor negotiator for negotiations with the WTA

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