Providence mayoral candidate Robert DeRobbio is calling for changes to Providence Schools after a federal investigation showed deficiencies in the city's English Language Learner programs.
DeRobbio joined GoLocal LIVE in the Navigant Credit Union Broadcast Center Thursday following a press conference blasting Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza's education policies.
"I think the blame falls squarely at the top. Throughout the system, there are constant lies of omission, and that all goes back to the mayor," DeRobbio said.
A federal investigation was conducted by the Department of Justice into the Providence School District regarding ELL programs in response to a complaint filed by parents. The complaint alleged that children whose first language is not English are not receiving adequate services, in violation of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act.
The investigation found several deficiencies in the district's program, including placing ELL students in schools that lacked services, understaffed ELL programs, not effectively monitoring programs, and failing to communicate with parents in their native language.
DeRobbio's steps for a solution include a full audit and evaluation of ELL programs in all Providence schools, as well as at the district level. He also recommends an increase in active communication between teachers and parents.
"We need to take steps to fix this," DeRobbio said. "Our children are suffering. These kids are graduating without the skills they need, then going out into the community and are unable to find a job. The governor is bringing new jobs to the state, and our schools aren't properly preparing our students to fill them."
Besides fixing education, DeRobbio referenced a "laundry list" of issues that need to be addressed in Providence, including getting rid of speed cameras.
"A lot of people are having to choose between putting food on the table and paying their speeding ticket," DeRobbio said. "I don't see a benefit to them. People are still speeding by taking cut-throughs down neighborhood streets. I plan to remove all cameras and refund anyone who has been forced to pay a fine."
DeRobbio also stressed the need for finding a new tenant for the city's iconic Superman Building, despite issues that have kept others away.
"Yes, there are some problems that need to be fixed, but once someone goes in and sees the beautiful marble lobby, experiences the building for themselves, I believe we'll find the right person," DeRobbio said. "My campaign poster shows the building lit up, and I fully intend for that to be the reality before the end of the term."
Related Slideshow: GoLocal Statewide Poll - Conducted by Harvard’s Della Volpe - June, 2018
Q4: When it comes to voting, do you consider yourself to be affiliated with the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, Moderate, or Unaffiliated with a major party?
Q5: Next year, in November of 2018, there will be a statewide general election for Governor and many other state offices. How likely is it that you will vote in this election? Will you definitely be voting, will you probably be voting, are you 50-50...
Definitely be voting.............................. 81%
Probably be voting............................... 19%
All others............................................. 0%
Q20: If the election for Governor were held today and the candidates were: Democrat Gina Raimondo, Republican Allan Fung and Independent Joe Trillo - for whom would you vote?
Q20: If the election for Governor were held today and the candidates were: Democrat Gina Raimondo, Republican Patricia Morgan and Independent Joe Trillo - for whom would you vote?
Q21: If the election for Governor were held today and the candidates were: Democrat Matt Brown, Republican Allan Fung and Independent Joe Trillo - for whom would you vote?
Allan Fung, a Republican..................... 35%
Matt Brown, a Democrat...................... 25%
Joe Trillo, an Independent.................... 14%
Q22: If the election for Governor were held today and the candidates were: Democrat Matt Brown, Republican Patricia Morgan and Independent Joe Trillo - for whom would you vote?
Matt Brown, a Democrat...................... 30%
Patricia Morgan, a Republican............. 20%
Joe Trillo, an Independent.................... 18%
Q23: If the election for the U.S. Senate were held today and the candidates were: [ROTATE] Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse and Republican Robert Nardolillo - for whom would you vote?
Q24: If the election for the U.S. Senate were held today and the candidates were: [ROTATE] Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse and Republican Robert Flanders - for whom would you vote?
Q25: If there was an election today, would you vote to approve or reject issuing $250 million in financing supported general obligation bonds to repair Rhode Island's deteriorating school buildings and bring them up to minimum standards called "warm, safe and dry"?
Q26: The Rhode Island General Assembly is in the process of negotiating a $40 million public financing deal with the Pawtucket Red Sox for a new stadium, hoping to bring a vote before the House and Senate this summer.
In general, do you favor or oppose the use of public funds to help finance a new stadium for the Pawtucket Red Sox?
Q27: The City of Providence and the state of Rhode Island are considering a proposal by New York developer Jason Fane to build a 46-story luxury residence tower in Providence, next to a public riverfront park. The developer will invest $250 to $300 million of his own funds. The project is called the Hope Point Tower, it would be 170-feet taller than the Superman building and would require waiving height restrictions and the use of state tax credits.
In general, do you favor or oppose development of the Hope Point Tower?
Q29: Since it was launched in 2016, UHIP -- the Rhode Island program designed to improve customer service for those who receive federal benefits -- has run into significant problems, including long lines, cost overruns, lost applications, over- and under-charging of patients and families.
Based on what you know at this time, what percent of blame for this do you assign to:
Deloitte, the consulting company who
produced the system........................... 53.3%
Governor Gina Raimondo, who has
been governor since the system
launch in September 2016................... 47.1%
Q30: Presently, there are local groups opposing the development of a natural gas facility in Burrillville, solar projects in Exeter, a LNG facility in Providence and wind projects in North Kingstown.
Some people say that it is important for local groups to play a role in opposition of projects like these that could be dangerous or harmful to citizens;
Others say that local groups have gone too far to the detriment of the state’s long-term energy needs.
Which statement comes closer to your own view?
Local groups play an important role...... 46%
Local groups have gone too far............. 31%
Not sure................................................. 24%
Q32: The next question is about the total income of YOUR HOUSEHOLD for the PAST 12 MONTHS. Please include your income PLUS the income of all members living in your household (including cohabiting partners and armed forces members living at home).
$50,000 or less.................................... 33%
More $50,000 but less than $75,000..... 18%
More $75,000 but less than $100,000... 16%
More $100,000 but less than $150,000. 13%
$150,000 or more................................ 10%
Q33: What particular ethnic group or nationality - such as English, French, Italian, Irish, Latino, Jewish, African American, and so forth - do you consider yourself a part of or feel closest to?