Providence Students and Families
Need YOUR Help

Urge Your Providence City Councilmember to Vote “Yes” on the Carl G. Lauro School Lease Proposal

What’s being proposed in Providence?

  • The Providence City Council will vote on a proposal to lease the vacant Carl G. Lauro School to be shared by Providence Public Schools District and Excel Academy Charter Public School.

  • This proposal would allow Excel Academy to conduct $14.3M in renovations and includes $50K per year for community improvements.

  • The school would also serve as a swing space for PPSD for five years at the City’s cost of just $1 per year.

Why It Matters:

  • It would secure a long term home for Excel Academy students, 84% of whom are Providence residents commuting nearly an hour each day roundtrip to the North Providence campus

  • It would turn an empty, unutilized space into a safe, high-quality learning environment

What YOU can do to Help: 

Turn vacancy into opportunity using this guide to reach out to your City Council member today and asking them to vote “YES” on this proposal. 

Putting the needs of our children first should not be controversial. 
This isn’t just policy, it's possibility. Let's stop waiting, and start changing.

Here’s What Providence
Moms Have to Say:

“Sharing space does not take away opportunity. It expands it. Excel Academy is already approved to serve these students. That’s why I’m here today urging the City Council to approve the building lease of Excel Academy and the opening of our school in Providence. Our children cannot wait. They deserve safe, modern spaces to learn and grow.

This is not just about one school—it’s about equity, about justice, and about believing that all our children are worth the investment.”

Reyna Ramirez, Providence mom and graduate of PPSD

“I shouldn’t have to drive her for 25 minutes when she misses the bus, and she shouldn’t have to spend 30 minutes on the bus to get to school in a different city when there’s a public school building just four minutes from my home sitting empty. This lease would change that. It would bring opportunity closer to families like mine. It would restore this building back to what it was meant to be: a place where children learn, grow, and thrive.”

Carla Donatien, Providence mom and resident of Ward 13

x“So I ask: if this lease isn’t approved, where will that money come from? Will it come out of Asa Messer’s budget? Will it delay construction of my daughter’s new school? What will families have to sacrifice—just to keep this building empty?

This vacant building already costs us $200,000 a year—just to sit there. That’s assuming nothing breaks and no one vandalizes it. Is that a good use of public funds?

This lease agreement is a solution that works for everyone.”

Luz Moncion, PPSD mom

“I live just five minutes from the Carl G. Lauro building—a site that holds the potential to become part of my son’s educational journey. I envision a vibrant school filled with dedicated educators, curious and creative students, and a community united in support of the next generation of leaders. Today, however, the building remains still, silent, and empty—a symbol of missed opportunity.

We have the power to change that. We have the opportunity to show up for our children, invest in their future, and guide them to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Ashley Webb, Providence mom and prospective PPSD parent

“This is not about choosing between district or charter. This is about choosing families. If you support PPSD students, this lease is a good deal. If you support unity and progress in Providence, this lease is a good deal.”

Janie Segui Rodriguez, Founder & CEO of Stop the Wait RI

News Coverage:

WPRI12 Coverage of Stop the Wait RI at Lauro School

“For too long, we’ve been having the wrong conversation. One that pits charters against the district, parents against parents—instead of asking the more honest and urgent question: What do families need, and how can we work together to provide it?”