Central Falls partners with charter schools

CENTRAL FALLS – City schools will exchange best practices with five local charter schools under an agreement announced Tuesday.
Part of an effort by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to get public and private schools talking, the agreement pairs Central Falls with Blackstone Academy Charter School, Blackstone Valley Prep, International Charter School, The Learning Community and Segue Institute for Learning. The agreement qualifies the city for a $100,000 grant from the foundation.
“This Compact is a living example of education leaders coming together to create a culture of collaboration, and to share best practices,” Central Falls Superintendent Fran Gallo said. “Instead of fostering competition between traditional public schools and charter public schools, this partnership will allow us to learn from each other, and more importantly, to do more for the children of Central Falls.”
The state-funded school district has struggled for years to boost test scores and achievement amid the backdrop of bitter fights between the administration and teachers union.
Those involved in the partnership said learning would not be just one way.
“Each of these organizations has a shared commitment to supporting every single student and the hardworking teachers in Central Falls,” said Carolyn Sheehan of Blackstone Academy Charter School. “We are honored to have the support of the Gates Foundation to think critically about how we can maximize resources and share best practices on behalf of the city’s families and all of the city’s public schools. Charters have a lot to learn from districts and vice versa.”