Warwick voters on Tuesday rejected a $50 million bond issue to help pay for skyrocketing costs of building two new high schools.
Voters approved a $350 million bond in 2022 to replace Toll Gate and Pilgrim High Schools. But Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi previously told Ocean State Media that cost overruns forced the city to request additional funding.
According to unofficial results, 57% percent of the 5,226 votes cast went against the measure.
“I accept the voice of the people,” Picozzi said in an emailed statement. “I will meet with the School Department to talk about a path forward to get the schools built.”
The bond measure would have authorized up to $50 million for the school projects, but would not have required it to be spent that way. The funding would also have been authorized for recreation projects. The debt service on the bond would have cost homeowners $22 per $100,000 of property value, according to Warwick officials.
Some residents organized against the bond measure, contending that the cost of the schools will force future residents to pay higher taxes, and district enrollment is shrinking.
Ultimately, just 9% of registered voters in Warwick cast a ballot in the referendum.
Prior to the vote, Picozzi said the school projects would continue regardless of the outcome. Now, he says he and school officials need to figure out how.
“Plans will be developed,” Picozzi said, “but there is no timeline at this point.”
