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4/7/2026
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Joint legislative commission recommends return of Central Falls schools to local control
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STATE HOUSE – The Special Joint Legislative Commission to Study the Return of Central Falls Schools to Local Governance has recommended a return to local control in its final report.
Created by a joint resolution (2025-S 1156, 2025-H 6255A) last session sponsored by Sen. Jonathon Acosta and Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo, the commission met nine times over the last year examining the issue. During its final meeting yesterday, the commission voted unanimously to adopt its final report and recommendations. The report can be found here.
“We have reached a point in time where it is appropriate that the city retake control of the school district. The plan laid out within the commission’s final report will set up the Central Falls School District for success, and with that success, new civic and school pride will flourish in Central Falls,” said Senator Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket).
“Central Falls has dramatically changed for the better over the past decade. This study commission acknowledged and examined this progress, and it became clear that the city was willing and able to regain control of our schools. The recommendations in the final report demonstrate how this transition will be possible, and how a return to local control will benefit students and faculty immensely,” said Representative Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls).
The Commission was chaired by James Parisi, a field representative with the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals.
“I want to thank all of the commission members for taking the issues before us seriously, bringing their own thoughts to the table, and being open to other people’s ideas as well,” said Mr. Parisi. “The Commission did its best to balance the need for local resources with the fiscal challenges the city has faced and will face, and to provide for a meaningful municipal contribution.”
“After more than three decades, we’re closer than ever to bringing our schools back to our city in a way that’s financially responsible, sustainable, and most importantly, focused on what’s best for our students,” said Mayor Maria Rivera, City of Central Falls. “This is a major step for Central Falls and a reflection of what’s possible when we come together to move our community forward. I’m grateful to the Commission, our legislative and state partners––especially Senator Acosta and Representative Giraldo––our educators, and the many members of our community who have spoken up and helped shape this path for Central Falls. We have spent years doing the hard work to prepare for this moment, and we’re ready to take the next step: working together on these action steps for our students and their future."
The commission released the following recommendations within the report:
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The commission recommends that control of the Central Falls School District be returned to local governance, effective July 1, 2026.
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The General Assembly should direct the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education to promptly appoint a member to fill the vacant seat on the Central Falls School Board.
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Representatives of the City of Central Falls, the current Central Falls School District Board of Trustees, the newly established Central Falls School Board, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) should meet regularly in advance of the July 1, 2026 transition to local governance.
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Beginning on July 1, 2026, and continuing for two years, the Central Falls School Board should participate in an enhanced reporting and oversight process with RIDE.
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Amend R.I.G.L. § 16-7.2-6.(d) to establish a predictable and sustainable funding framework for the Central Falls Stabilization Fund.
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Continued collaboration between the State and the City of Central Falls to ensure fiscal stability, transparency and accountability, and continued progress in student outcomes.
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Ongoing training for the Central Falls School Board.
The commission’s members included:
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James Parisi
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Senator Acosta
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Representative Giraldo
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Brian Daniels, Governor’s Appointee
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Sarah Friedman, City of Central Falls
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Drew Echelson, Rhode Island Department of Education
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Randy Rossi, Financial Leader
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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