News Summary
The Providence School Board is initiating 16 community listening sessions to gather parental feedback on new student-centered goals. The first session is scheduled for tonight at Hope High School. These efforts come after the restoration of local control over the city’s schools, allowing parents to voice opinions that will directly influence their children’s education. In addition, Mayor Brett P. Smiley has announced nominees for five appointed seats on the board, set for approval by the City Council, as the board prepares for future elections and education reforms.
Providence – The Providence School Board is set to conduct 16 community listening sessions to collect parental feedback on the formulation of new student-centered goals. The sessions, which will take place between now and August, are aimed at gathering insights and suggestions from parents after the restoration of local control over the city’s schools.
The first listening session is scheduled for tonight at 6 PM at Hope High School. Parents interested in participating can sign up online to voice their opinions and contribute to the development of strategies that will directly impact their children’s educational experience.
In another development related to the Providence School Board, Mayor Brett P. Smiley announced recommendations for five appointed seats on the board. The nominees consist of three current members and two new candidates, all of whom need to be approved by the City Council before assuming their roles. In November 2024, voters will have the opportunity to elect five members to the 10-member board, a shift from the previous all-appointed structure.
A rigorous selection process was followed where 25 applicants were evaluated for these board appointments. The board, previously consisting of nine members appointed solely by the mayor, underwent a charter change in 2022 that enabled half of its seats to be elected. The board is now organized into five distinct regions, each represented by one member.
The recommended appointees include:
- Melissa Hughes (Region 1): Serving as the school board secretary and chair of the Policy Committee, Hughes is also a parent of two Providence public school students.
- Ashley (Anjel) Newmann (Region 2): Currently a co-executive and youth program director at AS220, Newmann has extensive experience in teaching art and advocating for social justice.
- Night Jean Muhingabo (Region 4): Appointed in 2021 as a direct care provider for seniors, Muhingabo focuses on health and wellness issues pertinent to the community.
- Jenny Mercado (Region 3): A certified nursing assistant and advocate for bilingual parents, Mercado is also a mother of two students enrolled in Providence public schools.
- Steven Williamson (Region 5): Currently working as a planning specialist at the Rhode Island Department of Health, Williamson has a background in community involvement initiatives.
The City Council will review Mayor Smiley’s appointments at its upcoming meeting on Thursday. However, these items are “off-docket” and are not included in the official agenda. The initial terms for the appointees will range from one to three years to ensure continuity within the board.
Significantly, the city aims to fully regain control of the Providence Public School Department by July 1, 2026. The schools have been under the oversight of the Rhode Island Department of Education since 2019, which has limited the board’s authority over key areas such as budget decisions and hiring processes. The Rhode Island Department of Education confirmed the extension of state control last August, although there are prospects for an earlier termination should academic performance improve.
In a related context, approximately 19,000 out of 22,000 students in the Providence Public School District have submitted applications for charter schools. This sharp interest raises critical questions regarding the Providence School Board’s capacity to manage school closures and charter expansion efforts. Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green has highlighted potential implications for traditional public education linked to the growing number of charter applications.
Discussions among candidates for the upcoming school board election have centered on the effects of charter schools. Many are advocating for the enhancement of traditional public schools while addressing concerns about potential budget shortfalls. The Providence Teachers Union has shown support for specific candidates who oppose the expansion of charter schools, voicing worries over the implications of external endorsements on educational decisions.
These developments signal an essential period for the Providence School Board as they seek community input and reinforce their governing structure while navigating the complexities of educational reform in the district.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia University Reaches Settlement with Trump Administration
Providence Faces Competitive Election for Ward 2 City Council Seat
Providence School Board Holds Community Listening Sessions
Providence City Council Rejects Lease for Lauro Building
Providence School Board Engages Community Through Listening Sessions
Rhode Island Colleges Shine in Best Colleges Rankings
Providence School Board to Host Community Listening Sessions
Community Supports Non-Binary Teachers Facing Dismissal
Additional Resources
- ABC6: Providence Schools Listening Session
- Providence Journal: Providence School Board Picks
- GoLocalProv: Mayor Smiley and Providence Schools
- Brown Daily Herald: Charter Schools Debate
- Turnto10: Providence Public Schools Cyberattack
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Providence Public School District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- Google News: Providence Schools
