Buried deep in residential property records across Rhode Island lies an ugly truth: old restrictions in deeds that prohibited people of color from buying a given home. We hear from our own Nina Sparling about how racist restrictions in housing deeds helped shape where Rhode Islanders live today. Also, Providence public schools will remain under state control for another three years. Political reporter Ian Donnis gives us his take on the news, and a few highlights from the week in Rhode Island politics. And we have a studio session from The Whelks, an acoustic trio defined by their three-part harmonies, and a shared love of early country, swing, and Rhode Island. Plus: Our picks for what to do this week.
Providence Public School District
Posted inEducation, Housing, Local, Politics
Providence Mayor Smiley to education critics: we made ‘as much progress as we can afford to make this year’
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
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.
Posted inEducation, Local
‘There’s a lot of work to be done’: Education Commissioner to review if Providence should regain control of its schools
TRANSCRIPT: Five years ago, the state took control of the Providence Public School District after a report from Johns Hopkins University showed poor academic performance and a toxic environment for staff and students. Has the district improved on those issues? Is it ready to take back its schools? The state plans to evaluate the district’s […]
Posted inArticle, Education
Lawmaker pushes back against Providence school closings
News of the closures came as a surprise to parents and teachers – many of whom are upset about the news and how it’s been handled.
Posted inArticle, Education
Anonymous letter raises alarm about toxicity within Providence schools leadership
Superintendent Javier Montañez is resisting calls for an investigation into his senior advisor, after recent claims that she’s created a toxic workplace environment.
Posted inArticle, Education
Providence superintendent has plans to fix underperforming schools
Javier Montañez is the permanent superintendent of Providence public schools. He was appointed by Governor Dan McKee barely six months ago. But one big question is how much influence he has over the district after a state takeover in 2019.
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For January 3
Question of the Week: What kind of year are we in for? With that in mind, thanks for stopping by for my first weekly column of 2020. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) With a new Rhode Island […]