What They’re Saying: Infante-Green Names Harrison Peters as Turnaround Superintendent

Published on Monday, January 27, 2020

PROVIDENCE, RI - Following the announcement that Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green has named Harrison Peters as Turnaround Superintendent for the Providence Public School District (PPSD), educators and advocates are voicing support for Harrison as a dedicated, thoughtful, and student-focused leader. Read what they’re saying below.

"Harrison Peters was raised by his grandmother, who only had a 2nd grade education. His journey resonates deeply with me because we both know the difference extraordinary teachers can make in the lives of students. He and Commissioner Infante-Green will make a powerful team, bringing the passion that comes from their personal stories as they work to ensure students, especially those most underserved, have a chance to reach their full potential.”

- John King, former U.S. Education Secretary and CEO of Ed Trust 

"I met Harrison Peters when my daughter, Tayler, was in the 9th grade at Morgan Park High in Chicago. Although Mr. Peters knew Tayler had a medical diagnosis impacting her learning, he got to know her on a personal level and never expected anything but the best from her. Tayler did not have a father in her life and Mr. Peters became her guide of fulfillment in this area. She loved his expectations of her having to perform at the highest levels and flourished under his guidance. Tayler and Mr. Peters relationship has sustained until this day. I owe this thanks to Mr. Peters for caring, seeing justice and safety for all his students."

- Stephanie Free, Chicago parent

All of us at City Year Providence are excited to welcome Superintendent Peters as he joins a community of passionate and caring leaders who are committed to doing better by our students and their families. We are especially grateful that a leader who our students can see a reflection of themselves in has chosen to bring his passion and talent to Providence. Looking forward to working with Superintendent Peters and his team as we move towards creating a system that is built on trust and rooted in equity"

- Jennie Johnson, Executive Director, City Year Providence

"Harrison Peters is the type of leader everyone dreams of having; committed, supportive, caring, and effective. He possesses an exceptional ability to cultivate leaders and exceptional teachers. Mr. Peters has also demonstrated his strong belief in public education and understands the challenges that face it. He recognizes that public schools must succeed in providing the highest quality of educational services to meet the needs of all children. Mr. Peters is also a team player and is always willing to listen and provide feedback and/or recommendations when needed. Providence is lucky to have him at the helm."

- Regina Latimer-Lake, former teacher under Harrison Peters

"Harrison and I served together in Chicago, and he is the real deal. He knows the power of schools because they changed his life, and now he's ready to do that for the students and families of Providence."

- Bob Runcie, Superintendent, Broward Schools

"I have known Harrison for over 20 years and I have watched him grow into a phenomenal district leader. Harrison's strengths and tenacity as a leader, as well as his unwavering focus on student achievement will serve Providence students and families incredibly well. He understands how to effectively work with and through people to achieve organizational goals. From Orlando to Charlotte to Chicago to Houston to Florida, Harrison has a very strong reputation of driving results and significantly increasing outcomes for students. That's why we joined together to co-run a group called Men of Color in Educational Leadership, where we are constantly furthering our deep commitment to all children. I believe all Providence children can learn and will learn under his watch."

- Donald Fennoy, Superintendent, Palm Beach County

"Harrison's faith drives everything he does, which is why he is committed to a life of service. From his time in the US Navy to his two decades in some of the most challenging school systems in the country, he goes where he has the skills to make a difference. He deeply believes that every child deserves to flourish and be loved, and I'm proud to call him a friend and to stand by his side."

- Wesley Leonard, longtime minister

"Harrison is an incredible public servant, starting with his service in the US Navy and continuing for the past two decades working to transform some of the biggest school districts in the country. He goes where he is needed, and I'm thrilled for the students and families of Providence that he is continuing his service there."

- Rob Anderson, Superintendent, Boulder, Colorado

"In my capacity as Superintendent of Waukegan Schools and former Chief Area Officer of the Chicago Public School system, I have known and worked with Harrison Peters on and off for more than 8 years. I can say Harrison is one of the most capable and accomplished educators I have ever worked with. He leads with the highest level of ethical and moral standards, makes decisive student-centered decisions and embraces innovations and continuous improvement. He is independent, dependable and can be trusted with the most complicated and politically charged issues. As a veteran of the US Navy, words like honor, commitment, and community have special meaning to Harrison. He is ready to hit the ground running in Providence."

- Theresa Plascencia, Superintendent, Waukegan, Illinois