Rhode Island education officials have received word that roughly $23 million in federal education funds will be unfrozen following a temporary freeze that sparked multistate lawsuits. The state would have lost nearly $30 million if the funds were not restored, with the majority tied to grant programs that support afterschool programs, multilingual learning, and adult education.
Congressman Seth Magaziner responds to the restoration of federal education funding for Rhode Island schools following the unfreezing of approximately $23.5 million in grant programs. The funding restoration comes after federal authorities initially froze education funds, prompting legal challenges from multiple states.
Rhode Island has enacted legislation banning cell phones and personal electronic devices during school hours, set to take effect in August 2026. The new law requires all public school districts to develop policies prohibiting physical access to personal electronic devices by students during the school day, with flexibility for districts to determine specific enforcement methods.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has found that the Providence Public School Department violated the Civil Rights Act with a $25,000 loan forgiveness program that was exclusively available to non-White educators. The EEOC determined there was "reasonable cause" that the program violated Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Rhode Island families can access free backpacks and school supplies for approximately 15,000 children as part of back-to-school preparation efforts. The initiative aims to help families with the financial burden of school supply costs as students prepare to return to classrooms for the new academic year.
The Johnston School District has selected and hired a new superintendent to lead the district's educational initiatives and administrative operations. This leadership change represents an opportunity for fresh perspectives on curriculum development, student achievement goals, and community engagement. The new superintendent will be tasked with continuing Johnston's educational progress while addressing current challenges and implementing strategic improvements to benefit students and families. Source: wpri.com
Rhode Island's charter school sector is experiencing growing interest in unionization efforts among educators and support staff. The trend reflects broader labor movement activities in education and raises questions about working conditions, compensation, and job security in charter schools. This development could reshape the relationship between charter school operators and their workforce while potentially impacting the operational autonomy that characterizes the charter school model. Source: pbn.com
Central Falls has approved the formation of a new school board, marking a significant milestone in the district's transition out of state takeover. This development represents years of progress in addressing the educational and financial challenges that led to state intervention. The new school board will assume greater local control over educational decisions and policies, signaling the district's improved capacity for self-governance and academic achievement. Source: providencejournal.com
Rhode Island education officials are strategizing their response after the federal government withheld $30 million in K-12 education funding. The funding freeze affects critical programs including English language learning services and after-school programs for thousands of students. State leaders are exploring legal options and alternative funding sources while working to minimize potential service disruptions and staff layoffs that could impact Rhode Island students and families. Source: rhodeislandcurrent.com
Rhode Island continues to receive recognition for its high-performing public school system, with multiple districts earning top rankings in national assessments. The state's commitment to education excellence is reflected in its 5-star rating system, where 20 schools earned the highest designation in 2024. Rhode Island schools like Classical High School, Barrington, and East Greenwich consistently rank among the nation's best, demonstrating strong academic performance across multiple metrics and serving all students effectively. Source: youtube.com
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