11-R254

2011 -- H 6113

Enacted 05/04/11

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

PROCLAIMING MAY 4, 2011, AS "CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOL DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Silva, Newberry, McNamara, Mattiello, and Hull

Date Introduced: May 04, 2011

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

legislation, 15 start-up institutions have been established that serve over 3,900 students from 34

communities; and

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

to be 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.

Charter schools provide Rhode Island parents and students their only public school choice option;

and

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

educational excellence and community need; and

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

as evidenced by a waiting list of over 5,000 students; and  

     WHEREAS, Because they are public schools of choice, they are open to the public,

funded by the public, and accountable to the public; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims May 4, 2011, as “Charter Public School Day” in the

State of Rhode Island and recognizes the achievement of our 15 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

fifteen charter public schools.

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LC02576

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