Providence Students Say More Funding and Better Transportation Would Improve City Schools

A group of over 80 students and community members shared their visions for the city’s school district at a forum held in South Providence Tuesday evening. Some said they lack good transportation options, necessary support, and adequate facilities

Students and community members gathered Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at the Elmwood Community Center to discuss their vision for Providence schools.
Students and community members gathered Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at the Elmwood Community Center to discuss their vision for Providence schools.
Mareva Lindo/The Public’s Radio
Share
Students and community members gathered Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at the Elmwood Community Center to discuss their vision for Providence schools.
Students and community members gathered Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at the Elmwood Community Center to discuss their vision for Providence schools.
Mareva Lindo/The Public’s Radio
Providence Students Say More Funding and Better Transportation Would Improve City Schools
Copy

The Elmwood Community Center in South Providence was bustling with the sound of over 80 students on Tuesday night. Teachers and other community members were also sprinkled throughout the loud crowd.

The event was one of a series of community conversations being held by the OurSchoolsPVD Alliance, a coalition of youth-led organizations and allies that formed when the Providence Public School District was first put under the state’s control in 2019.

The participants gathered to offer ideas they want to see city and state leaders implement to help improve their struggling school district, which remains under state control. Students said they want decision-makers to commit more funding towards transportation and school repairs, among other priorities.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

The city council approved the Providence Rent Stabilization Act on Thursday, which would have placed a 4% cap on annual rent increases for most Providence apartments
Officials project $38 million a year once tolling resumes, but spending obligations have outpaced revenue by millions
The Providence City Council is still one vote short of a supermajority that could override Mayor Brett Smiley’s expected veto. The policy would cap annual rent increases at 4% with exceptions for owner-occupants.
Mayor Ken Hopkins says a 7.4% tax increase is necessary to maintain city services and close the existing budget gap
Plus: the Rhode Island Black Film Festival, opening day at the drive-in and more
Rachel Miller says the council is poised to ‘make history’ with final approval Thursday