Councilors to Secure an Additional $2.5 Million to Support Providence Public Schools in the FY ’25 City Budget
Providence – City Council President Rachel Miller and Finance Chairwoman Helen Anthony announce an agreement with Mayor Brett Smiley to secure an additional $2.5 million for Providence Public Schools in the city’s FY 2025 budget, beginning July 1. This would bring the total increase to $5.5 million this fiscal year, with a total investment in city schools of $135.5 million.
Mayor Smiley previously touted the proposed $3 million increase as the largest in 7 years. By adding $2.5 million to the $3 million increase proposed by the Mayor, the Council ensures the largest boost to the PPSD budget in at least 15 years. This substantial investment will help fill the gap left by the loss of federal ARPA dollars, allowing PPSD to retain crucial positions such as behavioral interventionists and social workers. This historic funding increase is a testament to the Council’s commitment to supporting our schools, addressing the financial challenges exacerbated by seven straight years of level funding, and investing in the future of our students.
“I’m proud to announce we have successfully negotiated for an additional $2.5 million in education funding in this year’s budget,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “This $5.5 million total increase – the largest in at least 15 years – reflects our councilors’ deep investment in the success of our students and our schools. With this strong start, the City Council will continue to work closely with the School Board and the Mayor to support student success. It is disappointing that RIDE continues to expand the charter system, pulling funding from supporting every student – but I am proud of this commitment the city is making to every student and family with this budget increase and am confident we’ll chart a strong path forward together as a city.”
“My Council colleagues and I are committed to our schools, students, and their families,” said Finance Committee Chair Helen Anthony (Ward 2). “We have heard moving testimony from many residents and through negotiation with the mayor’s administration, we secured additional funds for our schools for next year. Going forward, it is essential that all parties involved prioritize a collaborative budget process to support the Providence Public Schools with greater funding.”
The FY 2025 budget totals $598 million and is focused on housing, addressing climate change, and public safety, with no tax increases for property owners.
Budget Timeline
June 13 – Finance Committee final vote, 5:30 PM in room 305
June 20 – Council meeting for the first passage of the FY ’25 budget (tentative)
June 25 – Special Council meeting for final passage of the FY ’25 budget (tentative)
