To the editor:

The burden for Rhode Island education is not fairly distributed among its citizens. The state’s funding formula unfairly distributes citizens’ money; disrespects taxpayers; and drives failures of government schools.

Aquidneck Island is an example of the formula’s failure. The average annual cost is $19,000 per student for about 6,000 students in three districts — Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth. RICAS (Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System) 2022 results for Aquidneck Island schools show that in each district, greater than 92 percent do not master English language arts or mathematics. Fewer than 50 percent of all students in each district meet minimum English or mathematics standards.

Newport has the highest population and most wealth on Aquidneck Island per R.I. Revenue Department data used to compute education aid. Portsmouth is second in wealth. Middletown is a distant third. The estimated 2024 school funding-formula allocation for Newport is $8,100 per student; for Middletown it’s about $4,000, and for Portsmouth it’s $1,600. 

All Aquidneck Island schools fail; all children suffer. Why does Newport’s failure warrant more state aid than Middletown’s or Portsmouth’s failures? Is it because the funding formula says so? The Rhode Island legislature should abandon the funding formula. It should thoughtfully determine funding based on student and teacher motivation and commitment, and administration competence in driving excellent outcomes. The burden of Rhode Island’s government schools might then be distributed fairly and with better results for our future — the kids.

Paul Mankofsky

Middletown