Providence City Council leaders propose additional $2.5M as schools face budget deficit

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence City Council said they’ve come up with $2.5 million in ARPA funding in the city’s budget that could go toward the $10.9 million deficit the school department is currently facing.

Yesterday, the city council also requested an independent audit of the school district to figure out how the deficit was reached.

Less than a month ago, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has informed ABC6 that the superintendent of the Providence Public School District called him with a 24 hour ultimatum of providing the district an extra $10.9 million.

“So most recently it was confirmed that PPSD overspent last years budget by over $20 million. We have a firm obligation to students, residents, and taxpayers to make sure that funds are wisely and responsibly allocated. So to move forward with this $2.5 and with any further funding conversations , we’re asking for an independent third party financial review,” said Providence City Councilor Rachel Miller.

A spokesperson for the school district responded to the council’s request, saying, the department “is willing to participate in an independent review” under the condition that the city council addresses what the district considers consistent underfunding of the district.

The spokesperson also said that their offer of $2.5 million would be “insufficient,” with the $10.9 deficit.

The next meeting on allocating those funds is November 7.