The House Finance Committee has cut $1.5 million from the budget, which would have allowed two charter schools to open.  One is the Mayoral Academy in Cumberland, which has been championed by mayor Daniel Mckee.  The second is the Segue Institute for Learning in Central Falls.  The decision to cut funding for these schools was a bad decision.  Not only will parents have fewer choices for their children's education, but Rhode Island may be passed over for part of the $5 billion Race to the Top initiative, which emphasizes charter schools.

     Charter schools have received criticism from teacher's unions, because they don't pay a prevailing wage.  I firmly believe the $1.5 million would have been included in the budget if the schools were unionized, but since the unions are opposed to charter schools, so are many of "our" representatives.  There is still a small chance the cut will be restored.  If you are a strong believer in education choice and innovation, contact your representative.