PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Providence, Rhode Island public school system has spent $187,000 on thousands of copies of an inspirational book for students that now won’t be used.
Interim superintendent Frances Gallo tells The Boston Globe she ordered “Shoot Your Shot: A Sport-Inspired Guide To Living Your Best Life” because she wanted to inspire students after an independent report found that the city’s schools are among the worst in the nation.
The plan was to have all middle and high school students read it.
But after some teachers and school board members expressed concerns about the book’s religious overtones, Gallo dropped the plan.
She says in hindsight she would have picked a more mainstream title.
The district’s budget is nearly $400 million.
City Council President Sabina Matos says the district needs more financial accountability.
(Copyright (c) 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)