Proposed West End Charter School Misses Deadline, Will Not Open This Fall
GoLocalProv News Team and Kate Nagle
Proposed West End Charter School Misses Deadline, Will Not Open This Fall
As GoLocalProv.com first reported, parents in the transitioning West End of Providence were looking to start a new charter school in the home of the John Hope Settlement House — with the performance of local elementary schools a potential driving force — but the effort was met with backlash by some in the community that said the school — and John Hope — had not informed the community of their plans.
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GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTCommunity members in the West End of Providence expressed concerns over the new charter school going into the location of the John Hope Settlement House -- and circulated a petition demanding more answers from the board of John Hope, saying it was the “selling out” of the historic organization.
Councilwoman Harris on Record
Providence City Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris, who had been involved throughout the spring looking to get answers as to what an arrangement between John Hope and the charter school would look like — and how it would impact the community -- spoke with GoLocalProv.com on Monday.
“This really centers around John Hope -- there have been a number of unresolved issues dating back until 2013. As a councilperson, I've been put in an awkward position, as it's been difficult to get minutes, or any kind of transparency from John Hope,” said Harris.
“Moving forward, we'll see what happens. People want answers now more than ever. I hear from so many people how John Hope changed their lives,” said Harris.
The Rhode Island Department of Education did not respond to request at time of publication as to what the delay in a lease means for Wangari Maathai’s application moving forward.