Karina Wood, co-founder of "Rhode Island is Ready," a grassroots education advocacy group, will be speaking about a state school funding formula on Monday, May 17 at the Portsmouth Public Library, 2658 East Main Road. The one-hour event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

There are several competing funding formula bills circulating at the legislature, and given the momentum around the Race To The Top (which would subtract points from our application for not having a formula in place), it is a good idea for concerned folks from Portsmouth to get involved and influence the process.

You can read more about RI is Ready's principles for a fair formula on their Facebook page, but at a high level, they support adequate per- student costs, rapid and meaningful funding for currently underfunded districts, equitable distribution based on student needs and district ability to pay, predictable amounts districts can rely on, and enhanced accountability to ensure funds are used efficiently and focused on teaching. (Also, to be clear, RI is Ready are not uncritical supporters of any particular proposal currently before the legislature; rather, they support a set of principles.)

Yesterday, RI is Ready organized a press event and information session with legislators at the State House. You can read coverage in the Providence Journal, and see a video on the ProJo site. (Videography was clearly not the reporter's strength. A word of advice for you newspaper types: point the camera at the person whose lips are moving.)

For more information, see the RI is Ready Facebook page.