The Rhode Island Department of Education, in conjunction with the United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, found that the town of North Providence is in compliance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“We are pleased to have put this matter to rest, but it underscores the vigilance and diligence required to ensure that all ARRA funds are being allocated properly,” said Governor Carcieri. “The misuse of taxpayer dollars is a serious matter, and my Office of Economic Recovery and Reinvestment will investigate all claims of misuse to ensure each dollar is being spent according to rules and regulations.”

In a memo addressed to Dr. Donna Ottaviano, Superintendent of the North Providence School Department, Deborah A. Gist, Commissioner of the RI Department of Education, outlined the importance for all school districts to use stimulus funds in accordance with ARRA guidelines. Specifically ARRA education funds are to be used to achieve equity in teacher distribution and improve teacher effectiveness; improve the collection and use of data; improve academic content standards and assessments; and support struggling schools. In addition, Superintendent Gist sent a notification to all school superintendents as a reminder of the allowable uses of ARRA funds.

ARRA funds are subject to additional and more rigorous reporting requirements to prevent fraud and abuse, support the most effective uses of ARRA funds, and accurately measure and track results, ARRA expenditures are carefully scrutinized to assure strict adherence to allowable uses.

Related links

• Communication with North Providence 7/10/2009
• Memo from Deborah Gist, Commissioner of the RI Department of Education