Providence City Council Considers Excel Academy’s Expansion Proposal

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Members of the Providence City Council discussing the future of education.

News Summary

The Providence City Council’s Ordinance Committee is set to discuss a proposal from Excel Academy today, aiming to take over part of the closed Carl Lauro Elementary School. With an investment commitment of over $14 million for improvements, Excel Academy plans to expand to a K-12 school. However, uncertainty remains as council members have previously opposed charter school expansions. As charter school enrollment rises, today’s meeting will shed light on the council’s position regarding this pivotal educational proposal.

Providence, Rhode Island – The Providence City Council’s Ordinance Committee is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. today to discuss a new proposal that would allow Excel Academy to take over part of the vacant Carl Lauro Elementary School. This school was closed down by the Providence school department at the end of the 2023 school year following a series of strategic decisions influenced by declining enrollment in the district.

The council will evaluate a proposal from Excel Academy, which includes a commitment to invest over $14 million in necessary capital improvements to the building. The interest in using the Lauro Elementary space has been significant, particularly from charter schools, with Excel Academy previously seeking a deal to expand its operations.

Although this proposal marks a renewed effort by Excel Academy to secure a location for its educational programs, there is no certainty that council members will approve it. Certain councilors have previously expressed opposition to charter schools, indicating potential hurdles in the decision-making process. Last year, a previous deal negotiated by Mayor Brett Smiley’s office was ultimately voted down by the council, reflecting the contentious nature of charter school expansion within the city.

Excel Academy, which launched its program for fifth graders from Providence, North Providence, and Central Falls during the 2022-2023 school year, has received approval from the Rhode Island Department of Education to expand to a K-12 school. While the City Council is unable to outright prevent the school from growing, it does hold regulatory power over leasing city-owned properties and can obstruct such advancements if it sees fit.

Excel Academy is also exploring alternative options for expansion, including conversations with Rhode Island College regarding the former Henry Barnard School as another potential site for its operations. This explores strategic avenues for the charter school to expand educational opportunities for families in the area.

As of now, 8,206 students from Providence are enrolled in charter schools, a number that is projected to grow to 9,311 by the 2026-2027 school year, indicating a rising trend in charter school enrollment. However, the Providence school district has seen a decline of 2,650 students between 2020 and 2024, although a marginal increase was reported in the current school year. This context highlights the shifting landscape of educational enrollment in the city.

Excel Academy seeks to finalize an agreement regarding the Carl Lauro property before the 2026 election season begins to influence discussions significantly. Charter school leaders are closely monitoring shifts in the Rhode Island Senate following the election of Val Lawson as the new Senate President, who also serves as the president of the National Education Association Rhode Island, potentially affecting legislative perspectives on charter schools.

Today’s meeting will provide insights into the council’s stance on this proposal and the future of charter education expansion in Providence. With education options evolving, the outcomes of these discussions could have lasting implications for students and families within the community.