Brett Smiley
Posted inEducation, Housing, The Weekly Catch

Mayor Smiley on plans for Providence schools, homelessness crisis

Avatar photoAvatar photoAvatar photo by Luis Hernandez, James Baumgartner, Joe Tasca and Mareva Lindo
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After more than five years under state control, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is asking state lawmakers to force the Department of Education to return the city’s schools to local control. Meanwhile, during the recent drop in temperatures, the Providence City Council opened its doors this week as an emergency warming center. We talk with the mayor about his plans for the city’s schools and the homelessness crisis. Plus, the Weird Island podcast delves into strange and little-known stories from Rhode Island history. We hear from the creator, Sara Corben. That and more on this week’s show.

Posted inEducation, Local

Providence students say more funding and better transportation would improve city schools

Paul C. Kelly Campos by Paul C. Kelly Campos

The Elmwood Community Center in South Providence was bustling with the sound of over 80 students on Tuesday night. Teachers and other community members were also sprinkled throughout the loud crowd.  The event was one of a series of community conversations being held by the OurSchoolsPVD Alliance, a coalition of youth-led organizations and allies that […]

Posted inEducation, Local, Metro Desk

Providence mayor threatens budget cuts, tax increases if the city is forced to pay millions to fund schools

Avatar photo by Nina Sparling

Libraries. Parks. Summer programming for kids. The latest phase of the legal battle between city and state over funding the Providence School Department could mean significant reductions in these and other essential city services, Mayor Brett Smiley announced at a press conference on Tuesday. “We’re going to have no choice but to have harmful, harmful […]

Posted inEducation, Housing, Local, Politics

Providence Mayor Smiley to education critics: we made ‘as much progress as we can afford to make this year’

Avatar photo by Luis Hernandez
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TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: All right, let’s get into education. I didn’t know this; I learned, it was about 25 years ago when a new consensus emerged on the need to improve Providence schools. And then, of course, five years ago, the state takes control of the […]

Posted inEducation, Shoreline Access, The Weekly Catch

Mayor Smiley on his plan for struggling Providence schools, a fight over shoreline access heats up in Weekapaug, and more

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There’s a growing anticipation as to when the state of Rhode Island will hand over control of Providence schools back to the district. Mayor Brett Smiley says that the city and the district need at least another year. We’ll ask him what he believes needs to happen before that transfer of power. Also, we hear about one of the state’s most hotly-contested battles over shoreline access – all centered around a tiny patch of coastline in Westerly. Plus, a look back on the week in Rhode Island politics, and a studio session with Providence hot jazz band Paper Moon. That and more on this week’s show.

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