Middle School Sports Programs Gone in September

To eliminate the city's accumulating deficit, the budget commission made further cuts to the budget, including eliminating school-funded middle school sports programs during Thursday's meeting in city hall. The decision will affect the next school year's programs.

"We're not getting much cooperation," O'Keefe said, noting the budget commission approved full-day kindergarten programs with the understanding further cuts would be made to the school department budget. "The committee keeps rejecting without coming up with alternatives."

Mary King, finance director for the school department, asked if coaches could be hired to run spring sports that start in March. Chairman Michael O'Keefe said new coaches will have to be considered as there is a hiring freeze.

The East Providence School Committee voted against eliminating the $106,000 middle school sports in a 3-1 vote.