On Charter Schools 

I've spent 20 years working in low-income schools of all kinds, including charter schools, because I believe no child's future should be determined by their zip code. 

School funding tied to property taxes creates real inequities — and I understand why some families in under-resourced neighborhoods seek alternatives. But charter schools aren't a guaranteed improvement, and unchecked growth divides resources that should be pooled. 

I will not support expanding charter schools into East Providence. None are proposed to my knowledge but I am addressing this because of my professional work in charter schools. 

Local Schools Come First 

Public schools are the foundation of our community. My first duty is to be a good steward of East Providence's public schools and ensure they support every student to thrive. My child attends our local public schools because I choose to invest my time and my family’s future there. 

I support the re-imagined school funding formula that has been proposed by The Rhode Island Foundation and the Annenberg Institute.  It better recognizes the true cost of educating children and shifts more of the cost to state income taxes rather than local property taxes. 

Supporting Teachers 

Strong schools start with strong teachers. I support teacher unions as essential advocates for fair pay, safe working conditions, and the resources educators need to do their jobs well. When we invest in teachers, we invest in our children. 

School Choice I Support

East Providence High School benefits from inter-district open enrollment — we're one of the state's top receiving districts due to our strong CTC program.  Those students and that funding strengthen our schools.

What I Won't Support 

Vouchers that send public dollars to private schools.