New Turnaround Superintendent Named For Providence Schools

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Providence public school district officially has a new leader at its helm. On Monday, Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green introduced Harrison Peters as the new Turnaround Superintendent, along with two other leaders who will be joining the effort to revitalize the beleaguered district.

"We know that the Providence school system is broken; the data is undeniable," Infante-Green said. "But every week, as I meet with students, talk to teachers, and visit our schools, I gain a deeper understanding of the significant and complex challenges we face. Harrison gets it. He brings expertise, passion, and humility to this work, and I can’t wait to work with him and the rest of the team to continue this journey we’ve started and create meaningful, lasting change for generations of students to come."

Peters has served the education community for more than 20 years as a teacher, school principal and, later, administrator in three of the country's largest school districts: Chicago, Houston and Hillsborough County in Tampa, Florida. In addition, Nick Figueroa was named Chief of Family and Community Engagement, while Barbara Mullen will serve as Chief Equity Officer.

"Harrison Peters is committed to educational equity and opportunity for all students, and I have confidence that, working closely with the Commissioner and the community, he can deliver results for Providence students and families," Governor Gina Raimondo said. "This is a strong team, and it is the right team to help lead Providence schools at this critical moment."

Peters takes the place of Frances Gallo and Dottie Smith, who both served as interim superintendents named the interim superintendent after the state education department took over the Providence school department. The takeover came in the wake of a bombshell report by the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy that detailed schools in "crisis," from failing students to crumbling infrastructure.

Board of Education Chair Barbara Cottam praised the progress made since the transition.

"We have come a long way in just six months," she said. "With Commissioner Infante-Green at the helm, we have engaged the community, navigated the process to make state intervention possible, and taken important steps to improve schools. Today’s announcement is another step forward."

In his time at Hillsborough, Peters oversaw more than 250 schools. Under his leadership, the district saw a 10 percent increase in graduation rates and closed the graduation gap for black and Latinx students by half.

"I understand what it’s like to be both a student and an educator in a struggling school system," he said. "Education made all the difference for my life, and I am committed to making that same difference for the students of Providence,” said Peters. “We have an incredible opportunity before us, and I do not intend to squander it. I will work diligently alongside Providence students, families, educators, and community leaders to transform this school district. I’m excited to get to work."

Peters's first day is set for Feb. 20. Smith will transition to a role as his senior adviser.

"This is an exciting moment for Providence schools," Smith said. "I am honored to work every day with individuals who are dedicated to this work and who care deeply about the students of Providence. We know a lot needs to be done to deliver on our promises, and we are eager to welcome our new colleagues so we can work together to make it happen."