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5/7/2026
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Rep. Giraldo opposes legislation limiting charter public school opportunities
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STATE HOUSE — Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls) is voicing strong opposition to legislation (2026-H 7415) that would halt the creation or expansion of charter public schools in Rhode Island permanently and reverse previously approved projects, citing its harmful impact on families and students.
“As a supporter of public schools in all their forms, I cannot support legislation that limits opportunity for families,” said Representative Giraldo. “This bill would effectively close doors for thousands of students whose families are actively seeking the best possible public education for their children.”
The legislation would permanently reduce the statewide cap from 35 to 25, effectively halting all future opportunities in perpetuity. It would also prevent the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education from approving new charter schools or expansions through the 2028-2029 school year and would retroactively restrict funding for schools not already approved prior to July 1, 2025.
Representative Giraldo emphasized that this proposal comes at a time when demand for public charter schools remains extraordinarily high, with tens of thousands of applications submitted each year for a limited number of seats. He highlights that families, particularly in urban communities, are asking for more high-quality public options, not fewer.
Giraldo also pointed to the recently released report from the state’s Blue Ribbon Commission on education funding, which made no recommendation for a moratorium on charter schools, instead focusing on improving the fairness and transparency of Rhode Island’s school funding system.
“If we are serious about equity, we should be following the data and the recommendations in front of us,” Giraldo said. “This bill does not address the real challenges in our education system. It does not fix funding inequities. It simply takes options away from families, particularly those without the means to seek alternatives.”
Giraldo concluded by reaffirming his commitment to all public schools and the families they serve.
“Our responsibility is not to pick winners and losers among schools. It is to make sure every child, no matter their ZIP code, has access to a high-quality education. This bill moves us in the wrong direction.”
The legislation is currently before the House Education Committee.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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