NEW: Morales Scores Major Union Endorsement Over Smiley

NEW: Morales Scores Major Union Endorsement Over Smiley

The Providence Teachers Union announced its endorsement of Rep. David Morales for Mayor of Providence on Monday.  Morales faces incumbent Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary in September.

 

This is the first announcement from any of the major city unions — the others being police, fire and the city workers’ union.

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A big difference between Smiley and Morales has been their positions on public charter schools. Smiley has supported their expansion and Morales is opposed.

 

“The endorsement comes at a pivotal moment for the city, as Providence Public Schools prepare to return to local control after years under state intervention. PTU cited Rep. Morales’s consistent support for educators, collaborative approach to leadership, his legislative record of delivering investments for Providence schools, and commitment to improving staffing levels and student outcomes as key reasons for their endorsement,” said the press release from Morales’ campaign

 

“Our members have spoken. The decision to endorse Representative Morales was overwhelmingly agreed upon by the membership. He has demonstrated his commitment to our students, their families and the community. This commitment sends a clear message that our educators and service providers are valued and respected,” said Cindy Robles, PTU President and special education teacher at Roger Williams Middle School. 

 

“Representative Morales has consistently shown up for students, families, and educators in Providence. His deep respect for organized labor, commitment to staffing that prioritizes student and educator well-being, and interest in amplifying teacher voice make him a promising partner in this next chapter for PTU and for our district,” said Lindsay Paiva, PTU President-Elect and third-grade teacher at Webster Avenue Elementary School.

 

“I am honored to have the support of our Providence educators who are on the ground supporting our students and families each day,” said Rep. Morales. “As our public schools return to local control, our teachers and support staff need a partner in the Mayor’s office who will listen to their ideas and work with them to deliver the quality education all our children in Providence deserve. My administration will be committed to increasing local investments to improve staffing levels, prioritizing the mental health of our students, supporting our multilingual learners with the expansion of dual language classrooms, and creating school environments where every teacher and student feels supported.” 

 

Morales' campaign said, "In partnership with the PTU, Rep. Morales has released a comprehensive plan to strengthen educator recruitment and retention, improve staffing levels, expand family engagement and transparency, support student mental health, and better address the needs of multilingual learners and students with IEPs all across Providence."