DFER Rhode Island
Joe Williams on WPRO
On February 9th, DFER executive director Joe Williams spoke with Dan Yorke on NewsTalk 630 WPRO & 99.7 FM. CLICK HERE to listen to their discussion about the future of Rhode Island's Race to the Top grant and Education Commissioner Deborah Gist.DFER Rhode Island
DFER-RI: 'Thoughtful Pause' on Charters Jeopardizes Race to the Top Funding
DFER-Rhode Island called on Governor Chafee to abandon his call for a "thoughtful pause" and forge ahead with the expansion of charter schools as called for in the state's successful Race to the Top application. Continued delay in developing new public charter schools puts Rhode Island's $75 million Race to the Top Grant in serious jeopardy.To read the press release, click here: Press Release -
Click here to read the full letter to Governor Chafee, click here: Letter - Thoughtful
DFER Rhode Island
Group urges Governor Chafee to support charter schools
By Jennifer D. Jordan
(From The Providence Journal, January 26, 2011)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- For the second time in two days, an education advocacy group is appealing to Governor Chafee to push ahead with controversial school reforms, in this case the growth of public charter schools, an expansion the governor has made clear he does not support.
Joe Williams, the executive director of Democrats for Education Reform, hand-delivered a letter with his concerns to the governor's office Wednesday morning, said the organization's spokesman Bill Fischer.
"Democrats for Education Reform today called on Governor Lincoln Chafee to abandon his call to take a 'thoughtful pause' on the development of new charter schools," the statement said.
The promise to expand these alternative public schools was a key part of Rhode Island's successful Race to the Top application, which will bring $75 million to schools over the next four years.
Federal education officials have said that changing any part of the plan could jeopardize the entire grant.
DFER Rhode Island
For more information please contact:
Bill Fischer
President, True North Communications, LLC
260 West Exchange Street, Suite 105
Providence, RI 02903
phone: 401.228.8016
fax: 401.228.3077
