Rhode Island Governor Faces Opposition Over New Charter School Proposal

Governor Dan McKee is encountering significant opposition from key allies as he navigates a contentious charter school proposal from New England Tech. The state’s Council on Elementary and Secondary Education is set to convene at 17:30 on March 15, 2025, to discuss the opening of the New England Technical Academy, which aims to focus on career and technical education in Providence.

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) is urging the council, which is appointed by McKee, to endorse the New England Technical Academy. However, influential unions, including the National Education Association Rhode Island, are voicing strong opposition. These unions played a pivotal role in McKee’s narrow victory in the 2022 Democratic primary, highlighting the political stakes involved in this decision.

The landscape of the proposal is further complicated by the opposition from the building and construction trades, which typically remain neutral on charter school matters. They argue that the establishment of the new academy could adversely affect the existing Davies Career & Technical High School in Lincoln and the Construction & Career Academy in Cranston, a collaboration with the Laborers’ International Union of North America. These groups represent significant constituencies for McKee, particularly as he prepares for a challenging reelection campaign against former CVS executive Helena Foulkes and potentially House Speaker Joe Shekarchi.

The political climate is tense, with McKee grappling with low approval ratings. AFL-CIO President Patrick Crowley has emphasized that union members will closely monitor the council’s decision during tonight’s meeting.

Despite the challenges, the New England Technical Academy has substantial public support. According to RIDE, the proposal garnered 1,939 public comments, with an impressive 98 percent in favor. Former Central Falls Superintendent Victor Capellan is leading the charge for New England Tech and is known for his strong ties to the Latino community and RIDE. While Capellan remains optimistic about the proposal’s approval, the outcome may hinge on council members’ attendance at the meeting.

As the council deliberates, the implications of their decision will resonate throughout the education landscape in Rhode Island, influencing not only McKee’s political future but also the educational opportunities available to students in the state.