Elorza responds to Teachers Union recommendations

July 30, 2019 11:06 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A major concern in the new report from the Providence Teachers’ Union is that teachers and parents say there’s a lack of communication and inclusion.

But Mayor Elorza says he welcomes their input.

“We want to get this right, and we want to make sure everyone’s at the table,” he said.

The mayor says that sense of inclusion…is a crucial piece of the state takeover…which he admits…will be challenging.

“The truth is, when you look at these state interventions from throughout the country, they don’t have a good track record of success,” Elorza said. “So what we want to do is create a new model by engaging all of the stakeholders, from communities to families to youth to teachers, make sure everybody feels supported and part of the process.”

And he says the process will need everyone’s help — most urgently when it comes to facilities.

“In the coming weeks we’re going to be inviting the community to literally come into our schools, help us put a fresh coat of paint on there, help everything get nice and tidy, make sure that it’s an inspiring building and an inspiring place, so the kids are ready to learn on day one,” the mayor said.

But day one of school is still months before the state takeover, and parents say they can’t wait that long to see results.

Some are threatening to pull their kids from public schools or move out of providence.

“Instead of doing that, please be part of the solution,” Elorza said. “If we all believe and we all believe together, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.”

Students head back to school September 3rd. The state will likely not complete its takeover until November.