A new chapter for our schools

Providence Public Schools are returning to local control

After nearly seven years of state oversight, governance of our schools returns to the City of Providence and our locally elected School Board. Here is what is changing, the work that brought us here, and how we will keep moving forward for students.

Effective July 1, 2026

Mayor smiley with students and a teacher

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Key links

Providence Public Schools

Providence City Council

Providence School Board

A message from Mayor Brett Smiley

Years of work, led by our community

How we got here
Since the state intervention began in 2019, our students, families, and educators drove real progress. Test scores rebounded past pre pandemic levels, graduation rates climbed, attendance improved, and the City invested heavily in modern school buildings.

How we prepared for the return
The City partnered with the Providence School Board and City Council, convened a Return to Local Control Cabinet, published a plan for our schools, and committed the largest school funding increase on record.

What this moment means
Local control means decisions about Providence schools will be made by people accountable to Providence families. The work does not stop on July 1. It continues, with our community at the center.

“When we do this work, we need to think about what works best for our students.” — Mayor Brett P. Smiley

The timeline

Seven years, from state intervention to local control

From the 2019 state takeover to the first day of school under local control, here are the milestones that brought our schools home.

2019
State management of PPSD begins
A Johns Hopkins University review of Providence schools leads the state to take over management of the district.
2020
Turnaround Action Plan developed
The state and the community develop the Turnaround Action Plan to guide district improvement.
2023
Return to Local Control Cabinet convened
The City convenes its Return to Local Control Cabinet to lead the path back to local governance.
2024
Community engagement
Engagement deepens as the City gathers input from families, educators, and residents across Providence.
2025
Providence’s Plan for Our Schools
The City releases Providence’s Plan for Our Schools: Building a Brighter Future.
2025 – 2026
Collaborating on the plan for return
The City works with RIDE, PPSD, the School Board, and City Council on the plan for the return to local control.
July 1, 2026
PPSD returns to local control
Providence Public Schools officially returns to local governance. Schools, student supports, and summer programming continue without interruption.
August 25, 2026
First day of school
The first day of school under local control. A new chapter for Providence students, families, and educators.

For the record

Major reports and plans

The full record of the work behind the return to local control is public. Read the plans and reports that shaped the transition.

Turning Hope Into Results - Photo shows children listening

Turnaround Action PlanThe blueprint that guided district improvement, built around World-Class Talent, Excellence in Learning, and Engaged Communities.
Read the report

Community Voices on Providence Public Schools - Photo shows the Mayor Brett Smiley Interacting with children at school.

Community Engagement ReportWhat we heard from Providence families and residents about their priorities for the future of our schools.
Read the report

Providence's Plan for our schools: building a brighter future - Photo shows the Mayor shaking hands with school kids in Providence

Plan for Our SchoolsBuilding a Brighter Future. The City’s plan for the transition and its vision for Pre-K through 12 education in Providence.
Read the plan

Feedback

Share your ideas on the Future of Providence Public Schools

The School Board, the School District and the City are working together to provide a world-class public education for each child in Providence. Please share your ideas, questions and concerns to make school a better experience for families and educators and reflect what our community values.

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Community conversations are being scheduled across the city. Confirmed dates, times, and locations will be posted here as soon as they are available.