Providence Reaches School Funding Agreement

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced an agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Education to increase funding for the city's public schools, resolving a prolonged dispute over financial obligations under the Crowley Act. While the exact amount owed by Providence remains undisclosed, estimates suggest it could range between $10 million and $55 million, necessitating property tax increases to cover these costs. Smiley emphasized efforts to minimize the tax burden on residents and indicated that budget cuts would be essential to meet these financial demands. The city has been under state control since 2019, with the education department previously providing significant funding. Further details about the agreement are set to be released by late Friday, following Judge Jeffrey Lanphear's court ruling favoring the state's interpretation of the funding law. The ongoing negotiations reflect a broader struggle to balance educational funding with the financial realities faced by Providence families and businesses.