Pawtucket school officials told teachers yesterday their paychecks will be paid through mid-April. After that, it’s unclear what will happen.

The announcement, which came at the end of the business day, follows a meeting this week of school and city officials to discuss the district’s projected deficit of about $5 million.

Given the city’s own deficit and state funding cuts proposed under Governor Carcieri’s supplemental budget, Mayor James E. Doyle has projected the city would run out of money by April 15.

Tuesday, the School Committee voted 4 to 3 not to sue the city for additional funding under a state law known as the Caruolo Act.

The School Committee also voted to form an ad hoc committee to explore financial options with city officials and state Auditor General Ernest A. Almonte.

School Committee members said they were not told of the administrators’ meeting with city officials or the announcement to teachers.

“I just find it ironic that the superintendent could have gone to a meeting ... told his principals, and not see fit to tell his School Committee,” said David A. Coughlin Jr., committee chairman.

“I find it very interesting, but not surprising,” Coughlin said. “It’s been a complaint of mine since I got on the board two years ago that the superintendent does not communicate adequately with the school board.”

“Under the statutes,” Coughlin said, Supt. Hans Dellith “reports to the School Committee.

“All too often, he acts like he is out there on his own. And he’s not.”

Committee member Amy Breault Zolt said she called district officials who confirmed Dellith had told administrators Thursday that the city will face a “cash flow problem” as of April 15, but asked school officials to keep on working. Breault Zolt said she could not reach Dellith.

Committee member Joanne Bonollo said she called Dellith and he confirmed teachers were told yesterday the city may be out of money by mid-April.

The Journal could not reach Dellith, various city officials, or union representatives for comment yesterday.

The School Committee’s next meeting is Tuesday.

School Committee members said they could not speculate on what options could be considered.

“The money is just not there,” Bonollo said.

“Our people can’t afford another tax increase,” Bonono said. “I don’t know what they are going to do.”

Still, “we are all committed to educating these kids, meeting graduation requirements, and completing 180 days one way or another,” Coughlin said, referring to the state mandate that the school year be at least 180 days.

marmenta@projo.com