Citing Measurable Progress Under State Intervention, RI K-12 Council Approves Order to Transition Providence Public Schools to Local Control

Citing Measurable Progress Under State Intervention, RI K-12 Council Approves Order to Transition Providence Public Schools to Local Control

Published on Wednesday, May 27, 2026

PPSD experiences rebounding assessment scores, record-high graduation rates, major school construction investments, expanded academic programs, and improved attendance ahead of July 1, 2026 return to local control

PROVIDENCE, RI - Today, the Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education approved Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green's Order formally initiating the transition of the Providence Public School District (PPSD) to local control, marking a major milestone in the state's intervention that began in 2019.

The Commissioner's Order recognizes that Providence schools have made measurable, systemwide progress under state leadership and establishes a path forward, placing responsibility with local leaders to sustain and build on that progress.

While this marks a pivotal moment, state officials including the Governor, Commissioner, and Council members emphasized the importance of local leaders remaining focused on students, prioritizing academic outcomes, and continuing the implementation of strong governance practices.

"My administration has made the success of Providence a top priority, and it is clear the district is on a strong trajectory with undeniable signs of improvement," said Governor Dan McKee. "Academic achievement and attendance are rising, access to modern, 21st-century learning environments has expanded, and more high-quality educational opportunities are available across the district today than ever before. Today, Providence Public Schools is positioned to build on a solid foundation for continued growth. I commend Commissioner Infante-Green and the RIDE team for their extraordinary work to turn around the district and deliver meaningful, measurable results for students."

"Today marks a significant milestone for Providence Public Schools, and the Council's vote to approve my Order is a clear validation of years of focused effort and tangible, measurable progress for Providence students," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "Much work remains, but the state intervention has fundamentally transformed the conditions for success, building a stronger foundation for continued improvement under local leadership. Providence Public Schools is undeniably stronger today than when the state first intervened, but maintaining this momentum will require a sustained commitment from local leaders to student achievement, high-quality governance, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed."

"The Rhode Island Board of Education recognizes that the reforms and improvements made in PPSD, in partnership with the state, represent a strong foundation for sustained progress," said Education Board Chair Mike Grey. "These gains not only position PPSD for continued success, but also place Rhode Island in a stronger position overall as we work to improve outcomes for students across the state. While this marks an important new chapter for PPSD, the Board will continue to work closely with RIDE to ensure the district remains on a strong and steady path forward."

"The Council on Elementary and Secondary Education has carefully reviewed the tangible progress Providence Public Schools has made in key areas, including academics and operations, as well as the commitments from local leaders to continue moving the district forward," said Education Council Chair Patti DiCenso. "As a body composed of education, community, and industry leaders, we understand that transforming a system after decades of chronic dysfunction is complex and demanding work. Commissioner Infante-Green and her team have worked diligently to drive meaningful progress despite longstanding systemic challenges."

"As a son of Providence and a deeply committed member of our education community, I am proud of the lasting, meaningful change we have achieved in PPSD in close collaboration with the state," said Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. "I have made the success and well-being of our students my North Star as superintendent, and we are seeing clear signs that students are experiencing a better educational environment today than in the past. These results are not the work of any one person, but of every student, parent, and teacher who stepped up."

Under the Commissioner's Order, PPSD will exit Turnaround status and transition to local control effective July 1, 2026, following the state's determination that the district has demonstrated readiness to continue improving outcomes.

Since 2019, the state intervention has driven significant improvements across Providence schools, including:

• Stronger academic outcomes, with assessment scores now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
• Record-high graduation rates, with gaps narrowing compared to statewide averages.
• Major investments in school buildings through a $1 billion facilities plan, delivering safer and more modern learning environments with six new and like-new schools and a dozen in the pipeline.
• A generational increase in funding for schools, including a court-ordered $14 million boost in local contributions from the City.
• State-leading progress in attendance improvement, with a major reduction in chronic absenteeism.
• Expanded access to high-quality programs for all students, including 5-Star Pre-K, Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities, and Advanced Placement courses.
• Stronger accountability systems, including performance-based vendor contracts to improve efficiency and services to all students.

By taking these steps, PPSD has built a foundation for sustained, long-term success that will benefit all students.

The Commissioner's Order outlines key expectations for local leaders to ensure continued progress, with a particular emphasis on:

• Maintaining a clear focus on student learning and outcomes.
• Strengthening governance and accountability at the City and School Board level.
• Ensuring stable, transparent, and adequate funding from municipal government.
• Preserving the reforms and systems that have driven district improvement.

Input and feedback from the PPSD community will play a central role in shaping the future of Providence Public Schools. PPSD students, families, educators, along with Providence residents, are encouraged to attend RIDE and PPSD's Community Forum: The Community's Vision for the Future of Providence Public Schools being held on June 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA), 41 Fricker Street, Providence. The Community Forum will provide an opportunity for community members to share priorities and expectations as the district transitions to local leadership.