Some school districts say they're short-changed under current funding set up

By Elisabeth Harrison

Providence, R.I. – State lawmakers consider three bills this week that would more fairly distribute state aid to school districts.

Under the current system, many districts say they are getting short-changed. Woonsocket City Councilman John Ward says his community faces school deficits for the fourth year in a row.

"Music, art, extra curricular programs, high school electives, teacher aides for elementary classes and now all-day Kindergarten have been or will be eliminated from our offerings to our children," Ward says.

Woonsocket is one of the cities that would benefit if state lawmakers pass a funding formula based on current enrollment numbers and student need.

But other communities would see their funding decrease, making it a difficult issue for some politicians to support.