‘I’m in it,’ says Nirva LaFortune on running to become Providence’s education mayor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Nirva LaFortune said she’s running to become Providence’s education mayor. It’s a platform she’s deeply passionate about.

“I’m committed and ready to take full responsibility for transforming our schools,” LaFortune said. “There are many families who reply on a public education to provide for their children. They can’t afford $30,000 to send their kids to private school.”

The Providence city councilwoman said making education a priority is where we start. She told ABC 6 News that step one is working together with everyone, including the state to transition city schools back to local control.

“We’ve seen controversy after controversy, this takeover has never worked. We were promised partnership, that’s not what it has been,” LaFortune added. “We’ve gone through multiple superintendents. We’ve seen teachers leaving the district, particularly teachers of color and administrators of color leaving the district. I’ve seen it first hand.”

LaFortune said investing in local schools, both structurally and funding wise, for teachers and programs will help with the teacher shortage, with a hope of creating a better learning environment for today’s children.

“I’m not like everyone else. I am invested in our school district. I dropped off my daughter this morning at Nathan Bishop Middle School. I am a proud graduate of the Providence Public School District. My son went through PPSD. He’s a rising junior. I’m in it!” LaFortune concluded.