'Our priority should be safety': How Tiverton plans to use ARPA, casino funds on schools
TIVERTON – A joint School Committee and Town Council meeting led to a financial boost for school safety and town schools in general.
The council approved using $1.3 million of revenue from Bally's Casino and American Rescue Plan Act funds toward the school district and $140,000 from those same funding sources toward school safety initiatives. The council also approved taking $194,317 from those funds and putting them toward the town’s general treasury.
In that same motion, the council approved taking $814,219 in anticipated Rhode Island Department of Education funds from past projects to be funneled toward renovating the gym and locker rooms.
“Our priority should be safety for our schools,” Council President Denise DeMedeiros said.
Capital improvements to Tiverton schools
In a separate vote, the Town Council and School Committee approved a five-year capital improvement plan for all school buildings and campuses. The total amount is $11,995,600, according to Superintendent Peter Sanchioni.
The council approved using either casino funds or taking out a bond to fund approximately half that amount – or $6 million.
“Tiverton will be responsible for completing at least half of that amount in the five years – that's where the $6 million comes from. Each project (depending on what it is) qualifies for a reimbursement from RIDE. Tiverton's base reimbursement rate is 35% and we can accrue extra points (increase the percentage) based upon the project,” Sanchioni said recently in an email.
Some councilors questioned the capital plan, saying that construction and other costs could escalate. They also mentioned that council members and School Committee members might also change, leading to different opinions connected to school safety.
Council members also posed a hypothetical – Bally’s Casino could go out of business or move, leaving the town to seek out a bond only for these projects. In fact, the council and committee made sure the motion included the option for a bond – or borrowed funds – in case the town can’t rely on casino revenue.
School Committee member Diane Farnworth said the capital needs of these school buildings far exceed the approximate $12 million that Sanchioni unveiled in a memorandum.
Farnworth mentioned that with two school buildings aging over 40 years, and the elementary schools also in need of repairs, the $12 million is a low number.
According to Sanchioni’s memorandum, the projects range from improved video surveillance, parking lot improvements, plumbing, electrical and HVAC improvements, as well as communication and telephone upgrades.
The memorandum earmarks close to $4.1 million for the high school; approximately $5.9 million for the middle school; $238,800 for Fort Barton Elementary School; $616,500 for Pocasset Elementary School; $633,200 for Ranger Elementary School; and $482,000 toward athletic facility upgrades.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Safety upgrades, capital improvements planned for Tiverton schools
