Monday, September 18, 2023
Mayor Brett P. Smiley announced today the Providence School Board Nominating Committee is seeking qualified applicants to serve on the Providence School Board. Applications are open online now through Friday, November 17, 2023, at 4:30PM. This year’s process includes a longer application period to allow for better engagement of applicants and a focused recruitment process that aims to include new candidates and voices.
“Providence School Board Members play a vital role in supporting our students and ensuring we improve educational outcomes across the city,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “It is critical that this process is driven by the feedback and participation from our community and that the chosen members represent our vibrant neighborhoods. I am looking forward to engaging with our neighbors to select the newest members of our school board.”
This year’s process includes a longer application period to allow for better engagement of applicants and a focused recruitment process that aims to include new candidates and voices. Each school board appointment term totals three years, with this year’s applicants beginning in January 2024 and ending in January 2027. Additionally, applicants seeking more information can choose to be connected to current school board members to provide additional insight on the role.
“This is an important moment for Providence Public Schools,” said Providence School Board President Erlin Rogel. “We need leaders from within our community to help guide the changes we need to see in our schools to bring our students the top-tier education they deserve.”
Submitted applications will be reviewed by the School Board Nominating Committee. Applicants will be asked to participate in a public forum on November 28, 2023 from 5:30-7pm at Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA) located at 41 Fricker St, Providence, RI 02903. In advance of the community forum, questions will be collected from community members to help guide the moderated discussion by the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island in an effort to better align the forum with the needs of the community. Once applicants have completed both steps, the Committee will make recommendations to Mayor Smiley, who will submit School Board nominees to be reviewed by the City Council.
“I encourage Providence residents interested in serving the school community and our students to take the initiative and apply to be a school board member,” said City Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “This is a rewarding role that shapes our school communities and the lives of our students.”
There are currently three open seats for the upcoming year. School board members whose terms are expiring are encouraged to apply and be considered for reappointment.
The School Board job description and application are now available online.