After a year and a half of hybrid, in-person and online classes across Rhode Island’s public schools, the state’s top education and health officials, along with Governor Dan McKee, said all kids can and should return to school buildings this fall. School districts will not be required to provide an online learning option for families, […]
John Bender
Reporter
John Bender was the general assignment reporter for The Public's Radio for several years. He is now a fill-in host when our regular hosts are out.
Posted inArticle, Education
Interim superintendent named for Providence schools
Dr. Javier Montañez will lead Rhode Island’s largest school district until a new superintendent of schools is hired, state officials announced Tuesday. Montañez has worked for 25 years in the Providence Public Schools, most recently as the principal of Leviton Elementary School, the only dual language school in the city. The district has been without […]
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Nonviolence Institute receives $500k gift, expands work in Central Falls
Near the end of a month marred by gun violence, the Providence-area nonprofit at the heart of anti-violence efforts is set to expand its operations and its reach in Rhode Island. The Nonviolence Institute will add one new employee dedicated to mediating violence in the city of Central Falls, and may add a number of new […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
R.I. activists push for racial justice, police accountability on the anniversary of George Floyd’s death
Several dozen people gathered on the steps of the Rhode Island State House Tuesday evening to mark one year since the murder of George Floyd. “Today is really a day of remembrance,” organizer Harrison Tuttle, executive director of the Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee, told the crowd of around fifty, after asking […]
Posted inArticle, Education
Proposed legislation could end the Providence schools takeover in 2023
Legislation set to be introduced this week would put a two-year limit on state control over any school district in Rhode Island. Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D-Providence) said Friday she plans to introduce the legislation on Tuesday. The state takeover of the Providence schools began in November of 2019 and is expected to last […]
Posted inArticle, Education
Agreement reached to terminate Providence School Superintendent Harrison Peters’ contract
Rhode Island education officials have reached an agreement with the superintendent of Providence schools to terminate his contract in the wake of criticism about a hiring decision. The agreement late Friday came after Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green asked for the resignation of Providence Superintendent Harrison Peters earlier in the week. Peters was tasked […]
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State lawmakers propose major funding boost for Nonviolence Institute
A coalition of Rhode Island lawmakers are calling on legislative leadership to increase by $800,000 funding to a Providence violence prevention non-profit. The Nonviolence Institute has received $200,000 from the state for the last four years, and Gov. Dan McKee’s budget proposal for FY 2022 would maintain the same level of funding. But after a […]
Posted inArticle, Education
R.I. education commissioner asks Providence schools superintendent to resign, school board votes ‘no confidence’
Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green has asked for the resignation of Providence Superintendent Harrison Peters, who was tasked with leading the district through the state’s takeover of the city’s school system. The request comes after days of public scrutiny and criticism of school district leaders for the hiring of a top administrator, Olayinka Alege, […]
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Four charged in Providence shooting that injured nine, more arrests expected
Providence Police charged four men in the shooting that wounded nine people in Providence last week. Ricardo Cosme Tejada, Reynaldo Rivera, both aged 20, Jordanny Britto, aged 19, were arraigned Monday. George Rios, age 18, was still in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital, according to Providence Police. All four face the same set of […]
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Providence community shaken by gun violence
A small neighborhood on the south side of Providence, was shaken by a shooting Thursday that left nine people wounded, including three still in critical condition Friday afternoon. After work Thursday, Julio was preparing to celebrate his daughter’s second birthday when he thought he heard fireworks in the street. He said he saw a small […]