Rhode Island education leaders warn of severe cuts to federal funding

Rhode Island education officials, including Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Seth Magaziner, expressed serious concerns over proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Education under President Trump's administration. They warned that such cuts could lead to larger class sizes, fewer teachers, and reduced resources for special education and low-income students. The state's education commissioner highlighted that Rhode Island receives approximately $275 million in federal funding, which is crucial for various programs including special education and meal assistance. With Trump advocating for the dismantling of the Department of Education, local leaders fear that every student in Rhode Island will be affected. Education stakeholders are rallying against these cuts, emphasizing their potential to cripple the public education system and negatively impact the workforce. A meeting is scheduled to discuss these implications further, spotlighting the urgency of the situation.