Timeline for Announcing School Closures, Rescinding Teacher Dismissals and Engaging the Public

Read the full timeline in Spanish: Itinerario para anunciar cierre de algunas escuelas, revertir posibles despidos de maestros e integrar al público en este proceso

After consultation with members of the Providence School Board, Mayor Angel Taveras today announced a proposed schedule for announcing school closures, rescinding teacher dismissals and engaging the public.

The schedule is as follows:

March 3: Release of the Municipal Finances Review Panel findings. Findings from the Panel will provide precise information about the budget deficit the City will face next year. This information is critical to understanding the precise fiscal problems facing Providence and its impact on school funding and school closures.

March 7: Pursuant to Rhode Island Department of Education requirements, the Providence Public School Department will recommend certain school closures and a plan for how displaced students will be accommodated at other schools.

Week of March 14: The Providence School Board will begin to consider and vote on rescinding teacher dismissal notices.

March 14: The Providence School Board will announce a public process for parents, students, teachers and community members to provide critical feedback on the closure of schools. A schedule of public hearings will be announced and will include a public hearing on each proposed closed school.

"I do not want to prolong this period of worry and uncertainty for any student, teacher, or citizen any longer than we have to," said Taveras. "Time is critical and I will work with the teachers, Superintendent, City Council, School Board, community and Rhode Island Department of Education as quickly as possible to reach clear and effective decisions about how best to implement necessary cuts to our school department budget."