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First, it's clear that the council can not dictate to the school committee how to spend money allotted to it. Which is why not one additional nickel should be allotted. The teachers union does what unions do: Seek higher pay and more benefits. The union has been successful largely because cowardly local pols have caved to demands that always begin with "...it's for the children" prior to publicity stunts. Is ANYONE on the school committee or city council exploring ANY of the following systemic issues:

1. A gradual transition from a defined benefit retirement plan to a defined contribution plan, much like the rest of the world is doing, and especially for younger employees.

2. An acknowledgement that the very concept of a "teachers union" is archaic, and a refusal to recognize the union in any future negotiations.

3. What, exactly, are Warwick taxpayers getting in exchange for an expenditure of $19,000 per student in 2019-2020? Compared with cities in Mass. of comparable size (Somerville, Newton, and yes Lawrence) Warwick students are vastly inferior in standardized measures of achievement.

4. A limited voucher plan which would allow lower income kids (who are most at-risk) to escape a failed system. $10,000 would follow every student to whatever public, private, or parochial school his/her parents chose. If tuition is less than $10k, the school department retains the difference. More than $10k and the family is on the hook. Such a plan would emphasize what is in the best interest of the student, not the 'system', and cease the practice of enabling a failed system with every more taxpayer resources.

Of course, Happy is right. The council will cave. None of the above will ever be discussed. Programs will be reinstated. Underperformance and outright failure will reign. Those with financial means and know how will continue to flee a system where accountability is ignored. And the SC will come back next year seeking additional funds...for the children.