Providence Public Schools Intervention - Turning Hope Into Results
Supporting Improvement in Providence Public Schools
In 2019, an independent review of Providence Public Schools identified significant challenges affecting student outcomes, school climate, governance, operations, and facilities. The review led to a period of state intervention and a multi-year improvement effort focused on strengthening teaching and learning, improving school conditions, and building district capacity.
As of July 1, 2026, the intervention officially concludes, marking
- The successful completion of the state’s turnaround effort
- A transition back to local governance
- Recognition of the district’s improved capacity to sustain progress independently
This page provides historical information about the 2019 review, the state's improvement efforts, progress monitoring activities, and key reports that informed the district's transition back to local control.
Key Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| May 2019 | Independent Johns Hopkins review completed |
| November 2019 | State intervention initiated |
| June 2020 | Turnaround Action Plan launched |
| 2020–2026 | Implementation and progress monitoring |
| Summer 2024 | Independent SchoolWorks LEA Review conducted |
| July 2026 | Return to Local Control |
In 2019, the Rhode Island Department of Education commissioned an independent review of Providence Public Schools to assess district performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Conducted by the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy, the review examined instructional quality, governance, school culture, facilities, operations, and student outcomes.
Resources
Following the review, Rhode Island assumed control of Providence Public Schools and implemented a comprehensive improvement strategy aimed at addressing the report's findings. Over the course of the intervention, district and state leaders worked to strengthen instructional systems, improve school supports, invest in facilities, build organizational capacity, and create conditions for long-term success.
Resources
Throughout the intervention period, RIDE conducted regular monitoring and evaluation activities to assess implementation, measure progress, and identify areas requiring additional support. These reviews provided transparency and accountability while informing ongoing improvement efforts.
Resources
- SchoolWorks LEA Review (2024)
- HGSE-CEPR’s Interim Report on Student Achievement (2024)
- Letter from Commissioner Infante-Green to the PPSD Community Announcing the Release of the Independent Reports – 8.16.24
- Commissioner’s Report and Recommendation on the Turnaround Status of the Providence Public School District - 8.29.24
- Letter from Commissioner Infante-Green to the PPSD Community Announcing her Recommendation on the Turnaround Status of the Providence Public School District - 8.29.24
As Providence Public Schools demonstrated increased organizational capacity and progress toward key improvement goals, planning began for transition to local control. Effective July 1, 2026, local governance resumes, marking the conclusion of the state's direct management of the district.
Resources:
- Presentation on Providence Public Schools progress and Commissioner's Order for Transition to Local Control
- Community Letter Announcing Recommendation for Transition to Local Control
- Posters Detailing Progress in Priority Areas
- Video of June 3, 2026 Community Forum on Transition to Local Control
- Media coverage of Community Forum on Transition to Local Control
- Letter to Mayor Elorza (PDF) / Carta para el alcade Jorge Elorza (PDF)
- Providence Presentation to the Council on July 23, 2019 (PDF)
- Final Order of Control and Reconstitution and Decision Establishing Control Over the Providence Public School District and Reconstituting Providence Public Schools ("PPSD Decision") (PDF)
- Aramark Letter on August 19 to Commissioner Infante-Green and Mayor Elorza (PDF)
- Providence Public Schools Turnaround Action Plan and Progress Reports
- Letter from Commissioner Infante-Green to the PPSD Community Announcing the Review Process – 5.28.24
- SchoolWorks’ LEA Review Report for PPSD – Summer 2024
- SchoolWorks’ LEA Review Protocol that informed the PPSD Review Process – Summer 2024
- HGSE-CEPR’s Interim Report on Student Achievement – Summer 2024
- Letter from Commissioner Infante-Green to the PPSD Community Announcing the Release of the Independent Reports – 8.16.24
- Commissioner’s Report and Recommendation on the Turnaround Status of the Providence Public School District - 8.29.24
- Letter from Commissioner Infante-Green to the PPSD Community Announcing her Recommendation on the Turnaround Status of the Providence Public School District - 8.29.24
- Letter to Stakeholders Regarding Next Steps of PPSD Intervention - 09.25.24
- Letter to Stakeholders Regarding Next Steps of PPSD Intervention - 01.10.25
- Letter to Stakeholders Regarding Next Steps of PPSD Intervention - 02.18.25
- Presentation on Providence Public Schools progress and Commissioner's Order for Transition to Local Control
- Community Letter Announcing Recommendation for Transition to Local Control
- Posters Detailing Progress in Priority Areas
The documents and resources on this page provide a record of the review, intervention, and improvement efforts undertaken between 2019 and 2026. Together, they document an important chapter in Providence Public Schools' history and the collaborative work undertaken to support improved outcomes for Providence students.