Protest at Classical High over Providence charter school expansion

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Dozens of parents, teachers and students gathered next to Classical High School Thursday to protest the expansion of the Achievement First charter school.

The event, part of the American Federation of Teachers' National Day of Action, was sponsored by the Providence Teachers' Union and the American Federation of Teachers, Rhode Island.

"We urge Mayor Jorge Elorza to veto the expansion of Achievement First by not sending more money to charter schools," said PTU President Maribeth K. Calabro, who was joined by R.I. AFT President Frank Flynn.

Achievement First received permission last month from the Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education to more than triple its enrollment. The charter school, based in Providence, currently runs two elementary schools but wants to expand to middle and high school grades.

Because it is a mayoral academy, Elorza, who chairs the charter school's board, has final say over its expansion. Elorza has withheld judgment on a full expansion until Achievement First commits to covering any financial impact to the city's traditional public schools.

—lborg@providencejournal.com

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On Twitter: @lborgprojocom