Victory for Education Reform in Rhode Island

My friend Angus Davis, who's waging a tireless campaign for charter schools and education reform in Rhode Island, with some great news:

Historic Victory for Education Reform in Rhode Island Last night, the Rhode Island House of Representatives passed an historic budget bill that significantly expands public school choice for Rhode Island families and takes a significant step towards ending educational inequity and closing the achievement gap in our state. Key to this momentous leap forward was a phenomenal speech from House Majority Leader Gordon Fox (D-Providence) who inspired us with his vision of hope for Rhode Island families desperate for better educational options. He moved some of us to tears as he spoke eloquently on the issues of educational inequity that motivate us all. The ban on public charter schools in Rhode Island is over. A bill to expand the charter school law by eliminating restrictions on charter schools pertaining to tenure, "prevailing wage," and a ban on defined-contribution benefit plans has passed after the lengthiest debate of the evening. Mayors in the state of Rhode Island will now be able to apply to open public charter schools in partnership with non profit organizations such as Democracy Prep, KIPP, Achievement First, and others. This is the culmination of a massive effort by a broad group of people too numerous to mention in a single email. The leadership of our legislature has changed the direction of our state, despite opposition from defenders of the status quo. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Speaker Murphy, Majority Leader Fox, House Finance Chair Costantino, and the other members of the leadership who stood with us, courageously. I am too tired to do this email justice, but I want you each to hear the news of this remarkable success. Nobody thought we could do it. We did it. You did it. Now we need to see this bill through to pass the senate and enter into law with the Governor's signature. We also need to secure proposals from high performing charter school operators and secure private funding for the kick-start to these schools. A bright day is ahead, and it would not have been possible without your support!