Providence Charter School Announces It Will Close for Multiple Days Due to Union Strike
GoLocalProv News Team
Providence Charter School Announces It Will Close for Multiple Days Due to Union Strike
Families were notified Friday evening, November 21, after the union informed the school that same day that educators represented by IBEW would not report to work on Monday or Tuesday. Highlander’s secondary campus will remain open and unimpacted.
“This is an unnecessary and irresponsible disruption for our students and families. We have to close our doors to families on Monday due to lack of safe staffing, but our kids deserve to be in their classrooms and given the stability and support they need,” said Superintendent Simona Simpson-Thomas. “This signals to our families that politics and outside union interests are more important than the education of our students and the success of our school. We are ready to get back to the table and continue negotiations in good faith, and with our families and students at the center.”
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Highlander Charter School is Rhode Island’s first independent charter public school, serving more than 630 students from Pre-K through grade 12. From its founding, Highlander has been mission-driven: small class sizes, intensive supports, and personalized learning designed for historically underserved communities. That model requires careful financial stewardship to protect long-term stability.
According to Highlander, "Rhode Island law is clear and the Rhode Island Department of Education has confirmed: striking is illegal for certified teachers in Rhode Island. The union’s decision to proceed with this strike places teachers’ professional certifications, employment status, and teaching careers at risk."
"As an organization that began as a union of electrical workers, IBEW has demonstrated limited understanding of academic environments and the needs of students, families, and school communities. The union’s unprecedented use of a trade-labor model in a Pre-K–12 school setting has pushed for demands that far exceed what the school’s budget, operations, or even legal standing with the state can support," said the school.
"We cannot legally or responsibly commit to proposals that surpass our entire funding structure. It is literally a math problem," said Jonathan 'Jock' Hayes, Highlander Board Chair. “This electrical union is using our educators in a way that puts their careers at risk and pushes our entire school community toward instability. Our families, many of whom rely on us for meals, safety, and daily support on top of education will now be forced to miss work or scramble for childcare. This is unacceptable and our community deserves so much better."
This story was first published 11/22/25 7:01 PM