WARWICK, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island school district has cut its athletic programs as well as other after-school activities in an effort to balance its budget.
The cuts were approved Tuesday night when the Warwick School Committee passed a $174 million budget.
David Testa, a school committee member, called the cuts “devastating” and said an effort has to be made to restore funding for the programs.
Ella Centracchio, who will be a junior at the city’s Pilgrim High School next fall, called the cuts “jarring.”
Warwick Superintendent Philip Thornton in a statement called the cuts “difficult” but pointed out that they included textbooks, teacher assistants and in other areas and come after closing buildings and reducing staff for years.
The district has nearly 20 schools.
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