Dozens of Providence school teachers are losing their jobs. District officials say 56 non-tenured educators will not have their contracts renewed next year because of financial constraints caused by expiring COVID relief funding. Providence Teachers Union president Maribeth Calabro says the district should have done more to find an alternative funding source to support the […]
Providence schools
Posted inPolitical Roundtable, Politics
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley on Washington Bridge, tax deals, city schools and more
Providence is the business, political and cultural capital for the state. But it faces some of the same hurdles as other cities, including the question of how to maintain a vibrant downtown when more of the people who used to fill offices are now working remotely. After decades of talk about the importance of public education, is there a plan for improving Providence schools when the city regains control of them from the state in the next year or two? Our guest for Political Roundtable this week is Providence Mayor Brett Smiley.
Posted inArticle, Education, Local, Metro Desk
Providence superintendent remains optimistic about student performance, absenteeism
TRANSCRIPT: Luis Hernandez: Superintendent Montañez, it’s such a pleasure to speak with you again. How are you doing? Javier Montañez: Fabulous. Thank you for having me on your show today. Thank you. Hernandez: Lots to talk about, but let me get started with the star ratings that the Rhode Island Department of Education released earlier this year. […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For April 24
Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As always, I welcome your tips and comments, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) Gov. Gina Raimondo has had the political stage to herself for more than a month — and Rhode Islanders like what they see, as […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For March 6
Question of the week: Does Rhode Island face an outsized perception for corruption largely due to its small size? Read on, for more on that. Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As always, I welcome your tips and comments, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For February 14
Question of the Week: If a JCLS meeting was held in the woods, would anyone get invited? Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column, and Happy Valentine’s. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) The unsettled quality of […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For January 31
Question of the Week: Is Rhode Island statutorily required to offer a head-slapping political story every January to make up for the demise of the Follies? Ponder that as you dig into my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Elorza On New Superintendent & The Mayor’s Role In Providence Schools
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza joins Political Roundtable to discuss the hiring of a new school superintendent for city schools, whether the mayor still has a role to play in education, and whether there should be an audit of the RI Convention Center.
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For December 6
Question of the Week: If Pawtucket can enjoy brighter prospects, can the same thing happen in other investment-starved Rhode Island communities? Read on for more on that. Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Walsh On The State Takeover Of Providence Schools & Mixed News For Democrats
Robert Walsh, executive director of the National Education Association Rhode Island teachers union, joins Political Roundtable to discuss the state takeover of Providence schools and mixed news for Democrats in the run-up to next year’s presidential election.