June 10, 2026
The Rhode Island League of Charter Public Schools asks Governor McKee to support charter public schools and veto harmful legislation that would limit public school opportunities for thousands of Rhode Island’s children.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island House voted 56-12 to approve H7415 Sub A, legislation that would:
- Permanently lower the state’s charter school cap from 35 to 28, meaning few charter public schools could open in perpetuity
- Impose a three-year moratorium on new or expanding charter public schools, affecting families currently waiting for charter school seats; and,
- Rescind approval of De La Comunidad Bilingual School, which was slated to open in fall 2027.
A coalition of education organizations is urging Governor Dan McKee to veto the bill.
“Governor Dan McKee has been a supporter of charter public schools in Rhode Island since his time as Cumberland mayor 20 years ago,” said Chiara Deltito-Sharrott, Executive Director of RILCPS. “The Governor knows what families are asking for because he has spent years listening to them. For every student who receives an open seat in a charter public school, there are two more left on waitlists. Families want access to the public school that is right for their child, and they are asking for more opportunities – not fewer. We hope he keeps true to the principles that have guided him for so many years and keeps students and families at the center of his decision by vetoing this bill.”
“Children only get one chance at their education. Every year spent waiting for access to educational programming like dual language programs is a year that cannot be recovered. We cannot continue asking families to wait for an education that meets their child’s needs, and this bill will only keep families waiting,” said Paige Parks, Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT.
“Charter public schools primarily serve students from Rhode Island’s lowest-performing districts and have produced strong results – yet with this action the General Assembly has restricted access to these high-quality options,” said Michael DiBiase, RIPEC President and CEO. “The evidence is clear and RIPEC’s own research shows strong outcomes from charter public schools. Families don’t deserve to have those opportunities taken away.”
“The General Assembly spent valuable time debating charter school growth while failing to address the inequitable funding formula that impacts students and teachers across Rhode Island,” said Marcela Betancur, Executive Director of Latino Policy Institute. “Latino families overwhelmingly support expanding high-quality educational options, and any discussions about accountability should strengthen oversight across all public schools. Our focus should be on expanding opportunity and ensuring every child has access to a school where they can thrive.”
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About Rhode Island League of Charter Public Schools:
Founded in 2001, the Rhode Island League of Charter Public Schools (RILCPS or “the League”) is a 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated to ensuring that Rhode Island students and families have access to high-quality public schools. As the leading voice of the state’s charter public schools, the League supports its members through collaboration, resource-sharing, technical assistance, and advocacy on behalf of students and families statewide.
About Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT advances equitable policies that improve the lives of all Rhode Island children and eliminate disparities through the power of data, advocacy, and civic action.
About The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC):
The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council is a nonpartisan and nonprofit public policy research organization dedicated to advancing fiscally responsible government, competitive tax policies, and economic opportunities for all in Rhode Island.
About Latino Policy Institute
The Latino Policy Institute (LPI) is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity for Latino communities in Rhode Island. LPI produces data-driven research, shapes state and local policy, and builds the power of Latino communities to advocate for themselves. Learn more at thelatinopolicy.org.
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Media Contact (For RILCPS)
Lynzi DeLuccia, Half Street Group
401.787.8666 | lynzi@halfstreetgroup.com