Coventry Schools To Cut Teachers, Programs Amid Budget Dispute

COVENTRY, RI — Major shakeups are coming to Coventry schools. After voters rejected the proposed school budget for the 2020 fiscal year, Superintendent Craig Levis said in a letter than "drastic reductions" will be made across the board, including laying off "an overwhelming majority" of teachers and school staff.

On Friday, Levis sent a public letter to Coventry residents saying the district will have no choice but to take drastic action.

Because state law requires school districts notify teachers who will be laid off before June 1, Levis said the "overwhelming majority" of teachers and staff would be laid off with the plan of recalling "as many as possible" before June 30.

Levis also alluded to major changes to Coventry High School, saying only that "a new high school schedule" is in the works.

Along with making major staff cutbacks, all extracurricular activities are on the chopping block.

"We will also be reducing sports, clubs and all other after-school activities," Levis continued, saying that the cuts will be brought before the Coventry School Committee this week. "We will communicate out to our staff, parents and community as we work out the details of re-defining our educational system to reflect the wishes of our voters."

Coventry High School Interim Principal Brooke Macomber declined to comment on any potential schedule or personnel changes.

Superintendent Levis' full letter can be read below.