RI Dept. Of Education Names Interim Providence Superintendent

PROVIDENCE, RI — Providence schools have a new, interim superintendent. The Rhode Island Department of Education announced that Dr. Javier Montanez, the current principal Leviton Dual Language School, will temporarily step in to fill the vacancy.

Montanez has more than two decades of experience working in Providence schools, and will head the district while the Department of Education searches for a permanent replacement.

"Dr. Montanez possesses a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the needs of the `Providence Public Schools community," Gov. Dan McKee said. "I am proud to welcome him as interim superintendent and look forward to working with him to move the District forward."

Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Greene called Montanez "uniquely prepared to build on the strong foundation laid to turn around Providence schools," having been a student in the city and working in the district for so much of his career.

"Throughout his years of service Dr. Montanez has demonstrated a deep commitment to Providence students and families," she said. "A lot of work remains ahead to improve outcomes for students in the capital city, and I’m pleased to have him as a partner in this critical effort."

Montanez has worked in the district since 1997, starting as a bilingual teacher at Spaziano Elementary, then called Laurel Hill Elementary. Since then, he has worked his way up the ladder, promoted to assistant principal, then principal. He holds a master’s degree from Rhode Island College and a doctorate from Johnson and Wales University.

"I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead Providence Public Schools and work with our incredible school community during this pivotal moment,"Montanez said. "I know the immense value of an education personally because it changed my life, and I’m eager to contribute to the transformational work that is taking place in Providence to help students reach their highest potential."