Providence students say more funding and better transportation would improve city schools

The Elmwood Community Center in South Providence was bustling with the sound of over 80 students on Tuesday night. Teachers and other community members were also sprinkled throughout the loud crowd. 

The event was one of a series of community conversations being held by the OurSchoolsPVD Alliance, a coalition of youth-led organizations and allies that formed when the Providence Public School District was first put under the state’s control in 2019. 

The participants gathered to offer ideas they want to see city and state leaders implement to help improve their struggling school district, which remains under state control. Students said they want decision makers to commit more funding towards transportation and school repairs, among other priorities.

Many students also expressed frustration with their school experience, pointing to problems with facilities, issues getting to school, and a lack of diversity among teaching staff.

“We need a say, a voice in decision making power. Students, teachers and families should have the power to determine the future of schools,” Milia Odom, one of the night’s student facilitators, said. “We need adequate and equitable resources. Equitable means that schools that need more money should get more money.” 

The city and state were in a high profile dispute recently over funding for the school district. It was resolved last month after the city agreed to contribute millions of dollars more in funding over several years. 

“The change I really want, right now, is that we need more funding. We just need more,” Timmy Soeung, a 17-year-old student, said. “It feels like we’re at the bottom, we’re just getting the scraps.” 

Julianna Espinal, a junior at Classical High School, was one of the students facilitating the event. She first got involved with youth organizing when some of the theater programs she is a part of were at risk of being cut. She says she is keeping an eye on the upcoming budgeting season. 

“So in the spring time, that is when they decide all the budget for the incoming school year,” Espinal said. “So hopefully we’re able to do some organizing around that and make sure that things are adequately represented in the budget.” 

Rhode Island’s education commissioner Angélica Infante-Green has said she believes the school system can be returned to local control within three years. 

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s office is also holding a community listening session at Juanita Sanchez High School on Saturday at 11 a.m.