NEW: Senate Task Force Releases Findings on RI's Education Funding Formula

NEW: Senate Task Force Releases Findings on RI's Education Funding Formula

A Senate commission tasked with studying Rhode Island’s educational funding formula has released its findings and recommendations.

The commission began their work back in September of 2019. 

Read the Report Here

“Every year resources are not available is a year they lose academically. Our education system has the power to ensure a better future for not only our students of today, but all Rhode Islanders. A strong education system leads to a stronger economy, improved economic and social prosperity, and, importantly, hope for all in our state,” writes task force chairman Senator Ryan Pearson (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln).

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The report is released a week after RI was ranked as the least educated state in New England.

It also comes a month after the Wall Street Journal named Providence “an education horror show — a case study in public school failure and lack of accountability.”

"The Task Force’s report raises serious questions about the school funding formula’s failure to ensure equitable funding in some of the state’s poorest urban school districts. This should be of particular concern as the State has taken over the Providence School system. No matter the aspirations, goals and intentions, fixing the City’s failing schools is inextricably linked to an equitable state funding formula," said Gary Sasse of the Hassenfeld Institute at Bryant University.

 

Report Challenges RIDE

After giving a series of recommendations, the report then challenges the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE).

“Last year, the General Assembly acted on a series of education reform initiatives to transform the Department from one of compliance reporting to one that is truly the state’s academic leader supporting districts. Commissioner Infante-green shares this goal, and I have been encouraged by her tenacity through each of our meetings," writes Pearson. 

He continues, “ Her tenacity, however, must be met with the organizational recourses needed to make the academic progress we desire happen. Through our review process this fall, it became clear that the Department is not equipped with the right personnel to fulfill the mission we seek of them.”

Sasse says, "The Task Force also noted issues about the organizational capability and capacity of RIDE.  These concerns require immediate attention if the education reforms enacted by the General Assembly are to be successfully implemented. I hope that the Governor, RIDE, and the General Assembly will give the Task Force’s findings the immediate consideration they deserve."

Other Recommendations 

The task force’s 15 findings and recommendations range from tax treaties and enrollment changes to ELL and funding adjustments.

Based on testimony received during five public hearings, the Task Force recommends both near-term and long-term solutions.

“A major recommendation within our report today is that state minimums should be adhered to. Too many communities took the opportunity to scale back their local contributions to schools in the last decade of the state’s investment. Rather than new state dollars going to classroom supports, they often wen to offset local funds,” writes Pearson.

He adds, “The Task Force also recommends a series of action to make the formula more responsive to on-the-ground needs and new costs to districts. These include recommendations accounting for unexpected student growth, transportation, and tuition costs, and year-over-year instability in state aid.”