What is the state of Warwick Schools?

City Council President Steve McAllister has asked school administrators to address that question in a brief presentation – perhaps only 15 minutes  - at the opening of the City Council meeting Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at Warwick City Hall.

McAllister isn’t expecting, nor does he want, a report on the school budget.  Rather, he is looking for an overview of school events that might include activities at the elementary and secondary schools and details on curricula.

Superintendent Lynn Dambruch is looking to squeeze in as much good information as possible in her presentation.

“I’m trilled to have this opportunity to be in front of the City Council,” she said Tuesday. She said she aims to share the successes of the department and spotlight how the department spends funds allocated by the mayor and council. 

McAllister isn’t looking for an open ended discussion about schools with council members asking questions on topics raised during the school presentation or issues on their minds.

“They’re guests,” McAllister said of the school department. He said he would leave it up to council members to follow up with questions they might have after the regular council meeting.

Dambruch sees the presentation as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship with the council.  Asked specifically what achievements she would highlight, she said career and tech programs, the Pathways program for high school students and improvements in student proficiency and achievements.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity,” she said.

McAllister said he has invited Superintendent Lynn Dambruch and Assistant Superintendent William McCaffrey. Depending on how the State of Warwick Schools Address plays out McAllister, whose wife Vanessa is a Warwick School teacher,  is considering asking schools to make semi annual presentations to the council where the focus isn’t on the budget although, he notes, that will come up soon enough,