Providence Public Schools Intervention - From Hope To Results
Supporting Improvement in Providence Public Schools
In April 2019, just weeks into her tenure at RIDE, Commissioner Infante-Green was joined by Governor Gina Raimondo and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza in asking Johns Hopkins University to lead a team of local and national education experts to undertake an in-person review of the Providence Public School District (PPSD).
The 93-page report, which was released in October 2019, is devastating. Providence Public Schools were in crisis, and the state was asked to intervene.
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.
Following 6+ years of state intervention in the district, PPSD students experienced rebounding assessment scores, significantly improved attendance, and record-high graduation rates.
In May 2026, Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education approved Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green’s recommendation to conclude state intervention in the Providence Public School District as of June 30, 2026.
In July 2026, RIDE released From Hope to Results: Inside the Transformation of Providence Public Schools, a comprehensive report that documents the significant progress made in PPSD since the state's 2019 intervention and outlines key lessons for sustaining momentum under local governance.
A supporting website ProvidenceForward.org
was launched concurrently with the From Hope to Results report.
The report and website recount the progress PPSD has made since the 2019 state intervention following the Johns Hopkins University report.
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.