Mayor Smiley Announces Multiple Community Engagement Opportunities Focused on Education

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

The City Will Host Public Conversations in September and December in Addition to the Community Engagement Survey

Mayor Brett P. Smiley today announced Providence's robust community engagement process to compile feedback about the status and future of the Providence Public School District (PPSD). The insights, opportunities and challenges collected through this process will help guide the City's development of the transition plan to prepare for the return to local control of PPSD. In addition to the citywide community surveylaunched earlier this summer, Providence will be hosting two in-person community conversations about education on September 14 and December 14.

"Compiling the unique voices and perspectives from our community is an essential step in ensuring an effective and responsible transition back to the City's management of the Providence Public School District," said Mayor Brett Smiley. "The valuable feedback we are soliciting from our families, educators, students and other local stakeholders will help my Administration develop a successful plan that meets the evolving needs of our students. I encourage all of our neighbors to take the survey online and join us in September to share your thoughts and learn more about the Turnaround Action Plan."

"The ongoing conversations we are having with our neighbors are critical for developing a community-driven framework to improve education outcomes, advance key Turnaround Action Plan metrics and help guide the City's preparations to manage the school district again," said Chief of Policy and Resiliency Sheila Dormody. "Right now, there are dozens of opportunities and programs available to community members across Providence to get involved and help improve educational outcomes for our students. If you care deeply about the future of our schools, I encourage you to join these conversations and visit the City's website to learn how to get involved."

Additionally, in an effort to expand opportunities for participation, the City will once again launch an expanded recruitment process for appointed Providence School Board members this fall. Last year, the City revamped the process to include a longer application process with input from community groups in the public forum which is hosted annually. This year, applications will open on Friday, November 8 and close on Monday, December 16. The School Board Applicant Public Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18 from 5:00PM - 7:30PM at the Providence Career & Technical Academy. This event provides an additional opportunity for the community to directly participate in important conversations about improving educational outcomes and learn more about the Mayoral Appointment Applicants for the Providence School Board.

Given the new hybrid structure of the Providence School Board and the upcoming School Board Elections, the City hosted a candidate school this past May to help educate prospective candidates on the process and developed a local elected office candidate guide in Englishand Spanish. Based on candidates guides in other communities throughout the country, the City is developing a candidate guide with information on all participating current school board candidates and serves as a comprehensive and informative resource for the community that will be available in September digitally.

Residents, parents, educators and students are encouraged to take the Return to Local Control Community Survey, available here. Each response will directly inform Providence's Transition Plan, ensuring Providence Schools reflect the values, needs and aspirations of Providence 's diverse community. Community members that are looking for an opportunity to get involved, learn more about the Turnaround Action Plan or participate in a program to help improve our performance on key metrics should visit https://www.providenceri.gov/tap/.