RI Lawmakers Pass Bills on School Funding Formula (RI)

June 11, 2010

Rhode Island lawmakers have passed bills approving a funding formula for the state’s schools.

The measure cleared both the Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday, which was expected to be the last day of the legislative session.

Supporters see a funding formula as critical to the state’s chances of securing $75 million in federal grants through the national Race to the Top funding competition.

The state has lacked a formula to determine how much aid a school district should get. Critics said the system created unpredictability and confusion about much districts could expect.

The new formula allots funding based on factors including a district’s concentration of poor students.

State Education Commissioner Deborah Gist had urged the General Assembly to establish a formula, and House Speaker Gordon Fox also made it a priority.