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3/31/2026
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McNamara legislation would revamp the way education is funded in Rhode Island
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STATE HOUSE — Responding to a report from the Blue Ribbon Commission — a panel of local education leaders and community partners tasked with recommending a fair and equitable school funding system — Rep. Joseph M. McNamara has introduced legislation to revamp the funding formula for all public education.
The Rhode Island Education Funding and Accountability Act (2026-H 8351) would establish a comprehensive, transparent and student-centered funding formula for all Rhode Island public schools, distribute resources equitably based on instructional need and ensure that municipalities contribute according to their fiscal capacity. Companion legislation (2026-S 3015) has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick), who chairs the Senate Committee on Education.
“This revamping of the school funding formula is long overdue, and it strikes a balance between the education needs of our students and our communities’ financial abilities,” said Representative McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston), who chairs the House Education Committee. “The bill will provide funding for more items that are necessary and fundamental for education, while the cost is borne jointly by the state and individual communities in a fair, transparent and equitable manner. Currently, many educational expenses, such as transportation and early childhood special education, are excluded from the funding formula and borne solely by our municipalities. That places an unbalanced fiscal burden on our school districts.”
In January, the Blue Ribbon Commission issued a report that took a holistic look at the existing funding formula and developed a forward-looking vision for what a modern, student-centered funding system can and should accomplish. The commission, chaired by David N. Cicilline, Rhode Island Foundation’s president and CEO, brought together diverse leading voices across the state to build a consensus vision for a new state funding system. Drawing on evidence and best practice informed by national experts and local partners, the commission presented a set of recommendations to make the way Rhode Island funds public education more fair, transparent and effective.
“Investing in public education is essential to Rhode Island’s future. Almost everyone agrees we need to do better. This new school funding system puts the focus on the kids in classrooms and on real fiscal accountability to ensure student success. The future of our economy depends on producing students prepared for success no matter what path they choose next. Working together, we can help them achieve that,” said Cicilline. “We are grateful to Senator Gallo, Representative McNamara, Speaker Shekarchi and President Lawson for their commitment to ensuring that Rhode Island students receive the education they deserve.”
Under the legislation, the General Assembly would determine the total state share annually, expressed as a percentage of the total statewide foundation cost. Each municipality would be expected to contribute at least its minimum local contribution toward the education of all resident students.
A strategic education reserve fund would be established to help with municipal hardships, unanticipated mid-year enrollments and other unforeseeable and extraordinary circumstances. A fiscal responsibility advisory board within the Office of the Auditor General would be responsible for transparency and compliance, adjudicating hardship appeals and providing technical assistance and oversight to local education agencies.
The act would mandate that any law, regulation or rule enacted or promulgated that imposes a new requirement on school districts or municipalities would have to include a fiscal impact statement estimating the cost of compliance.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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