News Summary
In Rhode Island, charter schools, notably Paul Cuffee School, are witnessing a surge in unionization efforts as educators seek better working conditions and pay. The recent successful union vote at Paul Cuffee, along with earlier success at Highlander Elementary, reflects broader concerns among charter school teachers. With around 70% of public district schools unionized compared to only 11% of charter schools, the movement aims to address disparities and support teachers in advocating for improvement in their work environments.
Rhode Island is experiencing a surge in unionization efforts among charter schools, particularly following a recent successful union vote at Paul Cuffee School in Providence. This trend is characterized by increased interest among charter school educators in union representation, reflecting broader concerns regarding working conditions, pay, and support within the education system.
Teachers at Paul Cuffee Lower School filed for unionization under the National Labor Relations Board on November 12, 2025. An election has been scheduled for December 2, 2025, to determine whether the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP) will represent them in collective bargaining. This vote comes after the successful unionization of teachers at Highlander Elementary School in August 2025 with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
The Paul Cuffee Upper School successfully unionized with RIFTHP in October 2025, followed by the Lower School in December 2025. These schools have become notable as the first independent charter schools in Rhode Island to join RIFTHP. However, Cuffee Middle School has not yet initiated a unionization process.
Nationally, there is a significant disparity in unionization rates, with approximately 70% of public district schools being unionized compared to just 11% of charter school teachers. This reflects the unique challenges faced by charter schools, particularly in regard to funding. Rhode Island charter schools receive nearly 20% less funding per pupil than district schools, resulting in lower salaries and high teacher turnover rates, which remain a pressing concern for educational institutions like Paul Cuffee and Highlander Charter Schools.
The Rhode Island Expenditure Council has highlighted these funding inequities, which contribute to the challenges charter schools face in retaining educators. High turnover rates hinder stability within classrooms and negatively impact both teachers and students. Educators have reported dissatisfaction with existing decision-making processes, feeling excluded from discussions on critical aspects such as calendar changes and other significant policies.
Union organizers argue that inadequate pay and challenging working conditions are major factors driving teachers to seek union representation. The push for collective bargaining is seen as a pathway to improve work-life balance, job security, clarity of roles, and ultimately the support available to students. Additionally, teachers at Highlander had previously attempted to unionize in 2019 but succeeded in their more recent effort in August 2025, receiving overwhelming support of 88% from their peers.
Both the teachers from Highlander and Cuffee schools view unionization as essential for addressing the ongoing concerns regarding job security and educator turnover. By securing union representation, there is a belief that a more supportive environment for teaching can be fostered, which will subsequently benefit students as well.
Interestingly, some charter school educators decided to unionize with organizations such as IBEW due to challenges encountered when trying to engage with more traditional education unions. This experimental approach reflects the diverse needs of charter school teachers as they navigate the complexities of employment relations in an evolving educational landscape.
The upcoming negotiations with unions will be vital in determining the balance between maintaining the flexibility that charter schools are known for and meeting labor obligations. The outcomes of these recent unionization efforts at Paul Cuffee and Highlander schools could potentially inspire similar movements in other charter schools across Rhode Island, signaling a significant shift in the charter school landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Rhode Island Current: Memo to Public Charter Schools Looking to Unionize
- Brown Daily Herald: Teachers at Paul Cuffee Lower School File to Unionize
- Steve Ahlquist: Respect is a One-Way Street as Unionized
- Providence Business News: Will More R.I. Charter Schools See Unionizing Efforts?
- Providence Journal: Charter Schools in Rhode Island – How They Work
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- Google Search: Rhode Island Charter Schools Unionization
- Google Scholar: Unionization in Charter Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Union
- Google News: Rhode Island Charter Schools Union
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
