09-R220

2009 -- S 0901

Enacted 05/05/09

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY 6, 2009 AS "CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOL DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Crowley, and DeVall

Date Introduced: May 05, 2009

     WHEREAS, Since the 1995 passage of Rhode Island’s charter public school enabling

legislation, 11 start-up institutions have been established serving over 3,200 students from 31

communities; and

     WHEREAS, Charter public schools are independent public schools of choice that are free

to be more innovative and are accountable for student achievement; and

     WHEREAS, Today, Rhode Island charter public schools primarily serve urban areas, and

face the challenges of poverty at a higher than average rate. Yet, these schools continue to be

among the strongest in the state; and

     WHEREAS, Charter public schools provide an alternative public education to students

who desire a different learning environment than that provided by traditional public schools. They

give parents and students public school choice, consistent with the intents of No Child Left

Behind; and

     WHEREAS, Charter public schools are designed to deliver programs tailored to

education excellence and community need; and

     WHEREAS, There is a growing demand for Rhode Island charter public schools as

evidenced by a waiting list of over 3,600 students; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island charter public schools are required to participate in all state

mandated assessments, the School Accountability for Learning and Teaching (SALT) process, are

subject to all financial reporting requirements which include participation in the In$ite program,

and are required to file quarterly financial reports to both the Auditor General and the Office of

Municipal Affairs; and

     WHEREAS, Because they are public schools of choice, charter public schools are held to

the highest level of accountability—consumer demand; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims May 6, 2009 as “Charter Public School Day” in the State of Rhode Island and

recognizes the achievement of our 11 charter public schools; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Principals/Directors of Rhode Island’s 11

charter public schools.

=======

LC02536

=======