Massachusetts voters just voted against lifting the cap on the number of charter schools in the state. Rhode Island has debated similar issues. Those opposed to expansion of charter schools fear they will syphon money from public schools. Teachers’ unions also oppose charters, fearful of the loss of funds to public education and charter school teachers not affiliating with a teachers’ union. Those who favor charter schools see it as offering school choice, with schools often concentrating on specific areas.

Are you in favor of expanding the number of charter schools in Rhode Island?

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Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...