Rhode Island Governor Faces Opposition Over New Charter School Proposal

Governor Dan McKee is navigating a significant political challenge as he faces opposition to a new charter school proposal from New England Tech. The Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education is set to meet at 17:30 to discuss the potential establishment of the New England Technical Academy, a career and technical education-focused high school in Providence. This proposal has drawn criticism from influential unions, complicating McKee’s longstanding support for charter schools.

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has recommended that the council approve the academy, but the plan has encountered resistance not only from teachers’ unions but also from construction and building trade organizations. These groups argue that establishing the new school could adversely affect the existing Davies Career & Technical High School in Lincoln and the Construction & Career Academy in Cranston, which operates in collaboration with the Laborers’ International Union of North America.

This development comes as McKee prepares for a challenging reelection campaign against former CVS executive Helena Foulkes and potentially House Speaker Joe Shekarchi. His approval ratings have been notably low, casting a shadow over his political future. Patrick Crowley, President of the AFL-CIO, has emphasized that union members will closely monitor the council’s decision this evening.

Support for the New England Technical Academy remains robust. In 2025, the proposal garnered a remarkable 98 percent approval rate from a total of 1,939 public comments, according to RIDE. The proposal is being championed by Victor Capellan, a former superintendent in Central Falls, who has established a strong network within the Latino community and at RIDE. Capellan expressed optimism about the council’s backing but acknowledged that the outcome may hinge on member attendance at the meeting.

As the council deliberates, the political implications of this decision are clear. The outcome could significantly impact McKee’s standing within key constituencies as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the upcoming elections. The tensions surrounding this proposal highlight the complexities of education reform in Rhode Island, where alliances can shift rapidly, and the stakes are high for all involved.

In an environment marked by intense political rivalry and union influence, the decision made by the council tonight will set the tone for the remainder of McKee’s term and his reelection bid. The community’s response, the unions’ positions, and the political ramifications will all be crucial moving forward.