(cont.)

The Public Schools System Despite what my opponent believes, the rest of the general assembly will not send more educational aid to Providence schools until we make some changes--Mayor Cicilline has publicly stated this as well. Per pupil spending on education in Rhode Island is already the 7th highest in the nation, and teacher salaries in Providence are second highest in the state.

We have a system where school principals need more control over their teaching staffs and budgets. Often more tenured teachers in need of remediation are retained while younger, better performing ones are let go. In June, an AP biology teacher at Classical won Providence Teacher of the Year and Amgen’s Award for Science Teaching Excellence. The same day he was fired due to “bumping”. Something is wrong with the system!

Public charter schools may be part of the answer--they are relatively new. They are free of many of the constraints that hamper the public schools. They are more flexible with their curriculum and how they use teachers. Each one is different, some catering to "at risk" students, others, to specific interests or goals or even gifted students. Class size is smaller, and admission is by lottery and open and free to whomever applies. Providence Journal article, "Charter Schools Work!" Currently, there is a state-mandated cap of 4 public charter schools in Providence (currently full) and a moratorium on any new charter schools statewide.

I propose we abolish the cap and moratorium for Providence.

Poor schools discourage countless numbers of families from coming here and cause families starting out in Providence flee for the suburbs. I’m concerned about our future.

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