Independent mayoral candidate Buddy Cianci released his plan for Providence Public Schools this week.
Noting that Providence students score well below average on standardized state tests, the former mayor, and twice convicted felon, focused on the need to provide quality education to all of the city’s children.
If voters re-elect him, Cianci said he would give principals more autonomy, echoing a move already afoot in the district towards a policy known as “site-based management.” He proposed giving each school a
dedicated social worker because of the high number of low-income students in Providence schools.
Calling technical education an important option, Cianci suggested that Providence use Worcester, Massachusetts as a model because of its successful career and technical high school. For students not pursuing career and technical classes, Cianci said he would increase the number of AP classes and add more gifted classes for middle school students.
Cianci also noted that many school buildings need attention , promising to address safety issues immediately .
“Right across the street at Roger Williams Middle School, there’s a multitude of violations that put students and faculty at risk,” Cianci said in a statement.
The statement did not mention how Cianci plans to pay for increased course offerings or building safety upgrades.
The state has, for several years, put a hold on funding for school construction, leaving state education officials the task of deciding which projects are severe enough to require immediate attention.
Cianci's main rival, Democrat Jorge Elorza has released his own plan for Providence Public Schools. The Roger Williams Law School professor has called for "full service community schools," which combine education, afterschool and enrichment activities with services like health care and adult education.
Some critics have pointed out that community schools are expensive, and they questioned how Elorza would pay for the services. Elorza, who graduated from Providence public schools, envisions working with community groups and nonprofits, citing examples like public schools in Baltimore and Portland, Oregon.
Elorza has also called for a more diverse curriculum to provide opportunities for different types of learners, such as giving credit for experiences outside the classroom.
The third part of his education plan calls for continuing the district's move toward "site-based management," increasing efforts to bring grant funding into the district, and providing more meaningful training opportunities for teachers.
Elorza and Cianci face Republican Daniel Harrop in the November 4th election.
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