Standing up for a Rhode Island education system that better prepares every student to meet the demands of our future economy.
Strategic Gains
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Rhode Island’s FY 2025 budget increased funding for MLLs from $19.4 million to $31.8 million—a substantial 63.6% surge.
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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.
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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
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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.
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$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.
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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.
Our Values
Equity
High Standards & Accountability
Innovation & Modernization
Support
Workforce Readiness