Rhode Island Senate Bill S2174

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/22
• Refer: 2/8/22
• Report Pass: 6/16/22
• Engrossed: 6/21/22

Caption

The Education Equity And Property Tax Relief Act

Impact

If enacted, S2174 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws governing education funding. The bill aims to streamline the process of calculating the core instruction amount and introduce specific aid considerations for high-need students, which includes those from low-income families and English language learners. This is likely to lead to increased funding for districts with higher concentrations of these students, thereby promoting educational equity across the state.

Summary

Bill S2174, known as The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act, addresses the foundational education aid calculations in Rhode Island's education system. It proposes amendments to how education funding is distributed across districts, particularly focusing on providing adequate support for high-need students. These changes are intended to adjust the funding formula to better reflect the needs of diverse student populations while ensuring a more equitable distribution of educational resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S2174 include concerns over how the amendment to the funding formula may affect districts with varying economic backgrounds. Critics argue that the proposed changes could disproportionately favor districts with high-need students at the expense of others, potentially leading to a larger disparity in educational resources. Supporters, on the other hand, assert that the needs of at-risk populations must be prioritized to create a fair and just education system, promoting overall better educational outcomes.