New interim superintendent announced for Providence Public Schools
PROVIDENCE, R.I (WLNE) – Governor Dan McKee has announced a new Interim Superintendent for Providence Public Schools.
Governor Dan Mckee and Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green held a briefing Tuesday morning where it was announced that Dr. Javier Montañez will be taking over.
Montañez is currently a principal at Leviton Dual Language Academy.
“Our students in this school community here in Providence are my passion,” Dr. Montanez said. “When I thought about this position, I asked many questions and considered the immense responsibility that comes with it. I am here today to tell you that I am prepared to take the responsibility, the challenges, and the success that comes with it.”
Dr. Montanez has more than 25 years of experience in Providence schools serving formerly as a teacher and Assistant Principal. He is currently a principal at Leviton Dual Language Academy where he helped bring the school from a one star to three star rating.
“Parents and families, we have selected someone that really has been on the ground doing this work and values the relationship between families and schools,” Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said.
In the meantime, the Department of Education will continue their search for a permanent replacement. The former superintendent of Providence Schools, Harrison Peters, resigned in May after losing trust within his district.
Peters came under fire after admitting that prior to hiring a Providence Schools administrator, Dr. Olayinka Alege, he was aware of allegations against Alege that he forcibly rubbed a child’s foot.
When asked if Dr. Montanez will consider that permanent role, he said, “That is something we can discuss later. I’ll sit down with the team and we can discuss that later.”
Governor Dan McKee promised to make the process open and transparent and said he hopes to have a permanent position picked well before students return to school in the Fall.
ABC6 is covering the announcement and will have more details as they become available
©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2021
