Provides that in local educational agencies when over 45% of the children have a family income that is at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines then the student success factor will be 50% by the core instruction per-pupil amount.
Impact
By revising the funding formula, S2357 seeks to ensure that school districts with a significant population of low-income students receive adequate resources to support their educational needs. This legislation is expected to promote educational equity across various districts, ensuring that financial support corresponds not just to enrollment figures but also to the socioeconomic challenges that many students face. As such, the bill is poised to increase overall investment into the educational infrastructure of lower-income areas, which may improve student outcomes.
Summary
S2357, also known as the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act, aims to amend existing educational funding structures in Rhode Island. The core of the bill establishes a new foundation education aid formula, which specifies that in districts where over 45% of students come from families with incomes at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines, a higher student success factor will be applied. This factor is intended to increase the per-pupil funding allocated for these high-need students, thereby addressing educational disparities associated with poverty.
Contention
Notably, the bill's focus on adjusting funding based on socioeconomic status has sparked discussion among various stakeholders. Proponents of S2357 argue that it is a necessary step towards correcting long-standing inequities in educational funding and fostering better academic performance among disadvantaged students. However, critics express concern that the new formula could disproportionately benefit some districts at the cost of others, possibly leading to contention over resource allocation and the necessity for ongoing state evaluations to ensure fair distribution of funding across all communities.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.
Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.
Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools; providing penalties.