Housing Aid

School districts that complete school housing projects for repair, renovation or new construction may be eligible for state housing aid reimbursement.

Title 16, Chapter 7, Sections 35 to 47 govern school housing aid. This law is designed to guarantee adequate school housing for all public school children and prevent the cost of school housing from interfering with the effective operation of the schools. The law specifies a range of requirements for aid including:

  • the funding sources of the project;
  • the percent paid to each district;
  • eligible reimbursable costs; and
  • the term or period over which the aid is paid.

After an LEA completes the Necessity of School Construction process and receives Board of Education approval, school construction projects are eligible to receive housing aid reimbursement. The minimum state share ratio for Housing Aid set by law is 35%.

The share ratio or housing aid reimbursement rate is based on the district’s ability to pay, with the state share ratio determined annually. As is the case for Operations Aid, the Housing Aid share ratio compares the wealth per student by community to the wealth per student statewide. Housing Aid features incentive bonuses for school safety and security, regionalization, as well as six temporary bonuses. 

Housing Aid Instructions and Forms

Housing Aid Amounts

Housing Aid Reimbursement Rates

Reimbursement rates (state share ratios) apply to projects based on the fiscal year the project was approved by the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education, not based on the year the project finishes and is submitted for reimbursement.

Statewide School Construction Bond

On November 6, 2018, Rhode Island voters approved the Statewide School Construction Bond. The bond activated six new temporary bonus incentives and access to $250 million in upfront funding to support the state share of foundation school housing aid. Funding for the school construction program is governed by Rhode Island General Laws 16-7, sections 35 to 47, 16-105, sections 1 to 9, and 45-38.2.

With the passage of Article 9 in the FY19 State Budget, and the increased public commitment to school facilities through passage of the statewide construction bond, the Rhode Island Department of Education/School Building Authority (RIDE/SBA) is working closely with LEAs and municipalities to ensure that every school district sees meaningful improvements to the condition of its public school buildings over the next five years. This commitment will help our state to create learning environments that support the attainment of the academic, social, emotional, career readiness, and citizenship knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to be successful in the 21st century.

Statewide School Construction Bond Guidance

Statewide School Construction Bond Presentation