I was reading a great story in today's Providence Journal about the renovation of Nathan Bishop Middle School.  It's a terrific story, no matter how you look at it.  A historic building was rescued and renovated in an environmentally sensitive fashion, and it energized a neighborhood.  After attending Providence Public Schools for elementary and high school, I had become disillusioned with the system.  This story made me feel hopeful that there would be options if I ever have children.  Now, it would be possible for a child to attend Martin Luther Kind or Vartan Gregorian, then Nathan Bishop, and finally Classical.  All are highly regarded public schools.  Then, I became annoyed.

     Near the end of the story was a quote from Superintendent Tom Brady who had this to say: “The Providence public schools want to be the school of choice for all families,” Brady said. “My goal is to put the charter schools out of business in five years.”  Read that last part again.  I think Tom Brady actually believes the city had something to do with Nathan Bishop.  I'm observing from a distance, but from what I see the families in that part of the city drove the improvements at Nathan Bishop, and they will likely drive its success in the future.

     If I remember correctly, didn't the school department want to keep the school closed?  The most important ingredient in creating a good school is having parents who place an emphasis on education, stay involved, and keep a close eye on the school department.  Once those things are in place, then the foundation is set for a great education.  By the way, there is no way the popularity of charter schools will be challenged because there are too many poorly run public schools.  Although, it is good to see that Mr. Brady seems to be threatened by their success.  There's nothing wrong with a little competition.