Dozens of teachers get layoff notices

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Major cuts are on the way for schools in Rhode Island's second largest city.

Warwick's school superintendent, Peter Horoschak, said the school department has already started sending layoff notices to dozens of teachers for the end of this school year. He says that there is a unique condition in the teacher contracts, where the administration is limited to giving out 40 notices, and that only 20 personnel positions can be laid off or eliminated per year.

He says Warwick's financial situation is dire, and they are anticipating big cuts in state aid next year. The department is also looking into closing or consolidating another elementary school. However, the closing will not affect any of the students that were impacted by the closings last year.

Due to state law, the school department must hand out pink slips by March 1st.