RI Superior Court Ruling Affirms Providence Public Schools’ Right to Additional Funding from the City of Providence

RI Superior Court Ruling Affirms Providence Public Schools' Right to Additional Funding from the City of Providence

Published on Friday, November 08, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI - Today, Rhode Island Superior Court Associate Justice Jeffrey A. Lanphear issued two rulings. The first ruling denied, in part, the City of Providence's appeal of the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) Hearing Officer's decision to issue Orders to the State General Treasurer to withhold state aid from the Distressed Communities Relief Fund resulting from the City's violation of the Crowley Act in Fiscal Year 2024. The second ruling denied the City's motion to stay the withholding of Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Reimbursement state aid resulting from the City's violation of the Crowley Act in Fiscal Year 2025.

The Court rejected a constitutional challenge to the Commissioner's power to withhold state aid from the City for a violation of the education law and held that in accordance with the Crowley Act, municipal funding for school districts under state intervention must be increased by the same percentage as the increase in statewide school aid. Throughout the State intervention, State aid to Providence Public Schools has increased by $30.5 million compared to the City's increase of just $5.5 million.

Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez issued the following joint statement applauding the Court's recent ruling:

"Today's Court ruling is a win for our kids. Our priority throughout this legal dispute has been clear: making sure Providence students, teachers, and school communities have the proper resources they need and deserve. The Rhode Island Department of Education and Providence Public School District are grateful that the Court ruled in the favor of ensuring the District has access to municipal aid which will help lessen the impact of projected cuts to critical student services, programs, and staff support that would have a devastating impact on the education of Providence students. We are deeply appreciative of the outpouring of support and tireless advocacy of countless students, parents, and staff members who called for the City to meet their statutory obligation to fully fund schools. As leaders of the District, we remain committed to the success of our schools and will work with the City to ensure that our students continue to have the support and opportunities to succeed."

Per the rulings, the Court will hold a further hearing next Wednesday to determine the precise amount of the City's obligation to fund PPSD for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025.

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