CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI) — A new report released Thursday morning revealed systemic failures in the Central Falls Public School system.

Mayor Maria Rivera said the report highlights low academic performance, inadequate special education and multilingual services, and financial mismanagement. It includes input from more than 700 teachers, parents, students, and community members.

“My heart aches for the challenges our students face, but I stand ready to accept responsibility for fighting for their future,” Rivera said.

“I believe in the potential of Central Falls because our students, teachers, and families are talented, determined, and capable,” she continued. “Every child here deserves an education that opens doors, preparing them to stand alongside their suburban peers, and our teachers need the resources to make that vision real. This effort is about ensuring every child in Central Falls has the chance to thrive.”

Throughout the report, teachers expressed concerns over limited resources and the lack of finances provided.

“There is always a panic over printer paper,” one teacher shared. “I can’t print in color. This seems silly, right? We have no playground. Kids can’t go down the slide we have. There’s no wood chips, there’s caution tape on trees, making it not welcoming.”

“This report gives us all a chance to hear from real teachers facing real issues every day alongside powerful data about the school system,” Secretary of State Gregg Amore said.

The report outlines the next steps to improve student outcomes, which include establishing a community advisory board.

It will be formed with local teachers, families, youth, and community leaders to help with the decision-making process as the district looks to build a shared vision for its future.

Rivera also announced a collaboration with Dr. Ken Wong, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Chair for Education Policy at Brown University, who will help explore different governance and sustainable funding models for the school system.

More information and the full report can be found here .

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