The acting school superintendent in Providence, Javier Montañez, has been named as the permanent superintendent.
“Dr. Montañez has risen to the occasion as acting superintendent, and we’re grateful he has taken on this new role,” state Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said in a statement.
Infante-Green continued: “Dr. Montañez has provided the stability Providence needs and brings to the position a deep passion for serving the community. I have heard from educators, administrators, and — most importantly — students and families, all of whom have asked for Dr. Montañez to continue leading the district.”
Montañez said he’s honored by his selection and committed to improving schools in the capital city.
The 2019 state takeover in Providence three years ago ran into the headwinds of the pandemic, complicating efforts to improve the city’s schools.
A series of school superintendents have cycled through Rhode Island’s capital city over the last quarter-century, as the state continues to wrestle with the goal of improving under-performing public schools in many communities.
After overcoming homelessness as a youth, Montañez went on to attain two advanced degrees, a master’s in education from Rhode Island College and a doctorate in educational leadership from Johnson & Wales University. He previously led a dual language program credited with improving students’ performance.
Montañez has worked in the district for 25 years and was named interim superintendent in the summer of 2021.
Prior to the announcement by state officials, some community members criticized what they called Infante-Green’s overly opaque process on the selection of a permanent superintendent in Providence.
“I will just assume that she will be extending Dr. Montañez’s contract,” state Rep. David Morales (D-Providence) said in a tweet. “If that’s the case, then that’s fine given the positive work he’s been doing at PPSD — however — transparency and communication prior to an important decision like this goes a long way.”
Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org. Follow him on Twitter @IanDon. Sign up here for his free weekly RI politics newsletter.
