Angélica Infante-Green Confirmed as Commissioner of Education

Published on Tuesday, March 26, 2019

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Council on Elementary and Secondary Education voted unanimously this evening, with the support of the full Rhode Island Board of Education, to appoint Angélica Infante-Green as the next Commissioner of Education. Infante-Green is the first Latina and the first woman of color to lead the Rhode Island Department of Education.

Currently a Deputy Commissioner in New York, Infante-Green is a national leader on educational equity. In recommending Infante-Green last week, Governor Gina M. Raimondo praised her leadership in supporting multilingual learners, closing achievement gaps, and engaging students and families in improving schools.

“Angélica's confirmation is a victory for Rhode Island students,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “Her commitment to equity and passion for education are what led me to nominate her for this position, and will help ensure her success in this new role. I look forward to working together as we stay the course on a long-term, comprehensive education strategy that supports all Rhode Island students."

“I am honored, humbled, and excited to be joining the team in Rhode Island, and I want to thank Governor Raimondo and the entire Board of Education for their support. I look forward to their continued partnership as we move forward,” said Infante-Green. “We have significant challenges ahead, but I know that if we work together and engage our communities in this critical work, we can move forward on a strong, unified, long-term strategy to improve outcomes for our kids. All school can – and must – improve, and I am ready to hit the ground running on this statewide effort.”

Infante-Green began her career as a classroom teacher in the South Bronx, later becoming a Dual Language Program project director and holding a number of positions in the New York City and New York State Departments of Education. She currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Instructional Support P-12, where she has helped to close achievement gaps, increase the graduation rate, and build frameworks to create student-centered learning environments that are culturally responsive and empower students as agents of social change.

“The excitement and energy in Rhode Island around Angélica Infante-Green has been incredible, and it is a true testament to her career as an educator, leader, and advocate,” said Barbara S. Cottam, Chair of the Board of Education. “We are fortunate to have Commissioner Infante-Green stepping into this role, and I have no doubt that she will bring the vision and strength we need to continue on the next leg of our journey to improve public education.”

“I want to congratulate and welcome Angélica Infante-Green to Rhode Island. I know that I speak for the entire Council when I say that we are so impressed by her experience, her determination, and her goals for our state, and we look forward to working closely with her in the coming years to move Rhode Island forward,” said Daniel P. McConaghy, Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education.

"I am thrilled that Angelica will be the next education Commissioner. She is a smart, strong, and effective leader with a record of advancing equity for all kids,” said Ken Wagner, outgoing Commissioner of Education. “I am confident that Commissioner Infante-Green will build upon our work and extend it in new and exciting directions."

Infante-Green’s first day at RIDE is tentatively planned for April 29.

-30-