News Summary
The Providence City Council voted 8-4 to reject a long-debated lease for the vacant Carl Lauro Elementary School to Excel Academy. The decision disappointed many parents advocating for quality educational options for low-income families. Supporters had rallied for the lease, which promised a significant investment to renovate the school and improve educational infrastructure. The council’s decision highlights the ongoing conflict between traditional public schools and charter schools in the area and raises questions about the future of educational resources in Providence.
Providence City Council voted 8-4 on July 24, 2025, to reject a controversial 35-year lease proposal for the vacant Carl Lauro Elementary School to Excel Academy. The rejection has caused disappointment among many parents and supporters who advocated for the charter school’s lease, seeing it as a necessary option for low-income families seeking quality education.
Supporters of the lease gathered at Providence City Hall on the day of the vote, many wearing yellow T-shirts emblazoned with “Stop the Wait,” a message from a nonprofit organization advocating for public schooling alternatives. Excel Academy intended to invest $80 million into the complete renovation of the Carl Lauro building to enhance educational opportunities in the area. The deal included benefits for Providence district schools, families, the city, and the local neighborhood, likely addressing infrastructure improvements and community services.
Currently, the city incurs an annual expense of approximately $300,000 for maintaining and securing the vacant school, highlighting a significant financial burden on local taxpayers. In support of the charter school proposal, 419 parents engaged in advocacy campaigns, making thousands of calls and door-to-door efforts to rally support for the lease. However, just a day before the vote, City Council President Rachel Miller changed her stance, advising fellow councilors to reject the proposal, which shifted the council’s dynamics.
During the voting process, an applause erupted from members of the Providence Public School District (PPSD) teachers, as opposed to the supporters of the lease who expressed feelings of betrayal and confusion at the outcome. The rejection of the lease proposal emphasizes ongoing tensions between traditional public schools and charter schools in the region. Critics of the charter school movement often express concerns that opposition stems from a desire to protect union jobs and educational resources allocated to district schools.
It is important to note that charter schools, including Excel Academy, are public schools, though they often face societal misconceptions and political obstacles. Even in light of the council’s decision, Excel Academy is anticipated to open in a privately owned building in the future, suggesting that the need for additional educational options in Providence remains a prevalent issue.
Furthermore, Providence has been under financial strain following a significant lawsuit that highlighted underfunding in education. A state report indicated that taxpayers across Rhode Island contribute substantially to Providence’s education funding, reflecting the financial complexities surrounding the city’s educational resources. Council members expressed a reluctance to lease public educational resources to charter schools, a sentiment that indicates the broader debate surrounding the future of public education in the city.
Discussions continue concerning whether collaboration between traditional public schools and charter schools might lead to improved student outcomes in the Providence education system. The recent vote serves as a pivotal moment in this ongoing dialogue, further emphasizing the need for clear and effective strategies to enhance educational access and quality for all families in the community.
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Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Current: Anti-Charter School Stance
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- Turn to 10: Rally for Charter School
- Google Search: Providence charter schools
- WPRI: Providence Committee Plan
- Google Scholar: Providence education funding
- Providence Journal: Charter School Deal Falls Apart
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education System in Providence
- Steve Ahlquist: Opposition to Excel Academy Lease
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF 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.
