June 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
Providence’s Charter Review Commission is expected to hear a proposal for a fully elected regional city school board. After gathering feedback from the public and elected officials, commissioners will be presented Tuesday with the following recommendations:
- non-partisan elections
- 5 regions (north, south, east, west, and central) represented
- each region would elect two school board members for a total of 10 members
- three four-year term limits for board members
*Presently, school board members are appointed by the mayor
“As chair of the Charter Review Commission, it is refreshing to hear new ideas that would strengthen our educational system,” said Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7). “Parents and those active in our schools have expressed that they would like more neighborhood representation on our school board. We are listening. This proposal has the potential to alleviate some of those worries and make the board more accountable. I encourage the public to participate in this process.”
The proposal calls for five regions to be developed in consultation with Election Data Services, the same firm recently used by the city to update Providence’s Ward Boundaries.
The Charter Review Commission meets tonight, June 28, at 5:30 pm in room 305 at city hall.
