Proposed New Funding Method for Schools Gets Nod

A new method to fund the Bristol Warren Regional School District got the unanimous approval of the the Warren Town Council Tuesday night, Jan. 14.

The 5-0 approval was for a resolution drafted by the Bristol Warren Regional Joint Finance Committee that would change the state enabling legislation that established the regional school district. 

Instead of using Oct. 1 each year to determine enrollment figures and spending for each town each year in the regional district, the Joint Finance Committee wants to try an alternate method that will help to eliminate the ups and downs of funding over the years and provide more stability.

That method would use an average daily membership (ADM) over a 13-year time period – the length of time children go to school in the district from K to grade 12. The JFC chose this enrollment-based approach over a separate proeprty assessment-based approach.

The resolution signed off on by the councilors also will increase Warren’s membership on the Joint Finance Committee from 3 to 4 members. Bristol's representation on the JFC will stay at 6 members.

Both changes to the enabling legislation were agreed to at the most recent JFC meeting. The changes to the law must be made by the General Assembly. 

The Bristol Town Council has not yet voted on the resolution.