W. Warwick can't afford to pay teachers

West Warwick, R.I. (WPRI) - The West Warwick School Committee says it cannot afford to pay teachers two of the bi-weekly paychecks they're owed this summer.

That's because the school district is dealing with a $3.3 million shortfall, with the fiscal year coming to an end next week.    That money is needed to pay debts, and cover payroll over the summer.

The School Committee has filed a lawsuit against the town of West Warwick, seeking additional funding.  But Town Manager Jim Thomas claims us the shortfall was caused by fiscal mismanagement.

"Eighty-six percent of the budget is salary and benefits, so they need to better manage the resources they have," Thomas told Eyewitness News.

But School Committee Chairwoman Linda Palazzo says the district has made all the cuts it can, without violating federal education guidelines.

"We have federally mandated programs and it we don't honor contract regulation and the law, the fines that are going to be levied will be so great."

Teachers will receive their paychecks this week.