COVENTRY, R.I. (WPRI) — As Coventry faces a nearly $5 million school budget deficit, the town council and school committee met Tuesday night to review plans and discuss long-term solutions. The annual state-mandated session allowed officials to collaborate on tackling the deficit, which they described as a "team effort." Both groups reviewed budget projections for the next five years, focusing on strategies to address the school department's financial challenges. Coventry Town Council President Hillary Lima said the two groups are taking a joint approach, expecting both budget cuts and increased local aid to help bridge the gap. The deficit stems from years of poor financial record-keeping and reporting, compounded by voters' repeated refusals to raise taxes during periods of high inflation, according to a Target 12 report in September. Target 12: ‘Sins of our past’ — Coventry faces $5M school deficit, loses Moody’s rating "The audits weren't done in time therefore we weren't able to address these fiscal issues these financial issues in our accounting practices in time to solve them before they grow year over year," Coventry School Committee Chairman James Pierson said. "I think now we have accounting procedures and practices to make sure we never have this issue again." Pierson added that the town is exploring cost-saving measures, including issuing an RFP to reevaluate healthcare expenses. While the district laid off 64 teacher assistants in June to address earlier budget cuts, Pierson reassured that significant staffing reductions are not expected moving forward. BACKGROUND: Coventry lays off 64 teacher assistants as budget woes persist "I don't think staff should be worried that there's going to be any large layoffs again," he said. "We're looking at ways to reduce the deficit with minimal impact to taxpayers and students teachers and families." Town officials also confirmed there are no plans to cut school programs at this time. The next public meeting on the issue could take place in March. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW