Cranston School Committee urges city council for increased education funding

In a recent Special City Council and Finance Committee meeting held on April 8, 2025, in Cranston, Rhode Island, discussions centered around the urgent need for increased funding for Cranston Public Schools. School committee members and educators voiced their concerns about chronic underfunding and the impact it has on the quality of education for the district's 11,226 students.

The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the school district, which is the second largest in Rhode Island. School committee member Anthony Malillo emphasized the need for additional financial support, citing rising costs associated with transportation, special education, and aging infrastructure. He pointed out that the current budget proposal from Mayor Hopkins, which includes a $2.3 million increase, falls short of the $3.9 million requested by the school committee. Malillo stressed that deeper cuts would jeopardize the quality of education and the ability to attract and retain qualified teachers.

Another school committee member, Keith Catone, echoed these sentiments, noting that the proposed budget increase, while the largest in 15 years, is still insufficient to meet the district's needs. He highlighted the disparity in teacher salaries compared to neighboring districts, stating that some staff members earn less than entry-level positions in local restaurants. Catone also called attention to the systemic undercounting of economically disadvantaged students, which he argued results in significant funding losses for the district.

The discussions underscored a broader concern about the sustainability of educational funding in Cranston. School officials urged the city council to consider the long-term implications of continued budget cuts, emphasizing that investing in education is crucial for the future success of the community. The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration between city officials and the school committee to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.

As the city grapples with budgetary constraints, the outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in shaping the future of education in Cranston. The council's decisions in the coming weeks will determine whether the district can adequately support its students and staff or if it will continue to face the challenges of underfunding.