State Education Aid / Funding Formula

The state of Rhode Island provides direct financial support to public schools and public school students through state aid. 

Currently, state aid consists of:

  • formula aid distributed to LEAs, including school districts and charter schools;
  • categorical funding outside of the distributed aid; and
  • funds distributed to districts once a year for specific purposes, e.g., a per pupil amount to each school district for each group home bed licensed in the district, reimbursements for providing textbooks to non-public schools and a partial subsidy for school breakfast meals served.

Funding Formula Reference Guide (currently being updated)

RELATED RESOURCES

  • In addition to aid paid directly to school districts and charter schools, the State pays for a portion of the “employer” portion for both the defined benefit and the defined contribution teachers’ retirement plans.
  • The defined benefit plan is administered by the Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI).
  • The defined contribution plan is administered by TIAA. More information can be found at the Rhode to Retirement web site.