Parents voice concerns after disturbing school report

June 26, 2019 11:55 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Parents packed a sweltering cafeteria at William D’Abate Elementary School to learn about the bombshell report that names the Providence public school system one of the worst in the nation.

“At least this is bringing the issues to the forefront,” said one concerned parent. “And now no one can claim ignorance.”

Parents say the dismal report is a kick in the gut to get deeply involved in their children’s school experience.

“Parents, we are partners in education,” said one parent. “We are not here for bake sales and cookies.”

Some say the Johns Hopkins report confirms what many have known for years — but they were shocked by the magnitude and extent of the problems.

“I think it was even worse than either of us realized, and we just felt horror and shock for the whole community of Providence,” said parent Esther Howe.

She says providence schools need outside help, and took the opportunity to directly address Mayor Elorza and the state’s new education commissioner, Angelica Infante–Green.

“I am begging the state Department of Education to take over the Providence Schools,” Howe said. “I am convinced that the bureaucracy and layers of confusing leadership and mismanagement are unsolvable at a city level.”

But Howe and her husband say they’re encouraged that Infante–green seems to be listening first — before setting an agenda.

“She really seems to want to figure out how best to work in this environment,” said Daniel Howe. “And at the same time, to focus on results in the long–term.”

And officials say they plan to listen to more parents, teachers, and other stakeholders at several more forums over the next few weeks.