Providence city councilors secure additional $2.5 million for Providence school budget

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence City Councilors have announced an additional $2.5 million toward Providence Public Schools in the city’s FY 2025 budget.

The agreement reached between Mayor Brett Smiley and City Council President Rachel Miller and Finance Chairwoman Helen Anthony will bring the total budget increases for Providence schools to $5.5 million for this fiscal year.

The total investment in Providence schools will be $135.5 million for the fiscal year.

The additional funding will be used to help fill the shortfall due to loss of federal ARPA money, and will help retain crucial positions in the Providence Public School Department.

“This $5.5 million total increase – the largest in at least 15 years – reflects our councilors’ deep investment in the success of our students and our schools,” said Council President Rachel Miller.

A statement released by the school district’s Public Information Officer Jay Wegimont thanked the council for “advocating” for the city’s children, but added that the additional money “does not cover the gap in funding needed:”

We are grateful for every effort by Council President Miller, Finance Chairwoman Helen Anthony, and the City Council for advocating on behalf of the children of Providence to increase city funding to the school district. While this proposed increase does not cover the gap in funding needed, it is a step in the right direction for the students of Providence. We are also appreciative of the community members who continue to advocate for adequate funding for our schools. We also hope the mayor’s administration reconsiders their decision to take away $1 million in energy credits which PPSD has received annually since the beginning of the intervention. We look forward to reading more information about the Council’s proposal and working together to meet the needs of our students.