RIBBE

Standing up for a Rhode Island education system that better prepares every student to meet the demands of our future economy.

RIBBE SUPPORTS state funding strategies which are aimed at improving student outcomes and providing greater accountability as to how K-12 investments are spent. Rhode Island schools have experienced recent large increases in per pupil aid, but student outcomes are still not measuring up.
RIBBE SUPPORTS more equitable state and local funding for K-12 to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Rhode Island needs to address the gap in funding between more affluent districts and schools in the urban core.
RIBBE SUPPORTS the continued expansion of CTE into a wide range of fields, including fast-growing and emerging areas of the economy.
RIBBE SUPPORTS enhancing pathways for CTE educators. There is currently only one CTE certification program in the state, and too few incentives to attract industry professionals to become educators.
RIBBE OPPOSES the proposed reduction in categorical funding for CTE programs in Governor McKee’s FY 2026 budget. CTE programs are growing in demand and have proven value for students and communities.
RIBBE SUPPORTS Governor McKee’s Attendance Matters initiative, and also additional legislative or administrative initiatives that promote statewide accountability and facilitate evidence-driven strategies for districts and schools to reduce local levels of student absenteeism. While chronic absenteeism has decreased statewide, improvements have been uneven among communities.
RIBBE SUPPORTS a continued focus on using high-quality standards and curriculum, and the maintenance of a clear accountability framework, including tools that measure student outcomes.
RIBBE OPPOSES any changes that would weaken or impede recent progress made in establishing these systems.
RIBBE SUPPORTS continuing investments that support high-quality and curriculum-driven professional development for educators. For recent investments in high-quality curriculum for math, ELA, and Science to be effective, we must continue to support professional development in these areas.
RIBBE SUPPORTS state and local efforts to recruit and retain high-quality educators, particularly in high-needs fields such as science, math, special education, and English as a second language.
RIBBE OPPOSES the proposed reduction of professional development funding in Governor McKee’s FY 2026 budget.

Strategic Gains

Rhode Island’s FY 2025 budget increased funding for MLLs from $19.4 million to $31.8 million—a substantial 63.6% surge.
Governor McKee’s proposal to limit the growth in the funding formula’s core instructional amount to just 3.9%, instead of the scheduled 6.2% increase was not approved by the General Assembly. This cap would have disproportionately impacted the districts that need it most—those that rely heavily on state aid.
The budget allocated funds for two additional full-time equivalents (FTEs) at RIDE, bringing the total to five, to enhance the planning and support of CTE programs. Additional categorical aid for CTE programs rose from $4.5 million to $6.5 million, marking the first funding increase since FY 2017.

Pending Resolution

Although Rhode Island has reduced chronic absenteeism by 4% statewide and in nearly every district, we’re still 6% above pre-pandemic levels, with 25% -- or one in four students chronically absent. Without meaningful legislative action, we risk leaving too many students behind.
$5 million was allocated to support professional development for educators, the first specific state funding for professional development since FY 2009. Despite new investments in FY 2024, there are no continuing funds for Professional Development moving forward.
Senate Bill 2533/House Bill 7290, which aimed to empower local education agencies to track student attendance effectively, did not make it through the legislative process. This setback means we still lack a comprehensive strategy to monitor and support students at risk of chronic absenteeism, an issue that demands our attention.

Advocating for students with an informed business perspective

Rhode Island Businesses for Better Education is an alliance of businesses and business organizations committed to taking action that improves Rhode Island’s public K-12 system. Our top priority is ensuring that every student is provided a high-quality education to meet the demands of Rhode Island’s future competitive economy.

Rhode Island businesses have long agreed that our schools must provide every student with access to a high-quality education that prepares them for college and career. Through RIBBE, Rhode Island’s business community is demanding better results for every student, no matter their district.

We will focus on advocacy, accountability, and regional and national best practices. Our initial agenda will center around the urgent crisis of student absenteeism, the need to transform and innovate career and college pathways, and the state’s lingering gaps in student achievement.

About us