On July 1, 2026, Mayor Brett P. Smiley announced that Providence Public Schools (PPSD) would return to local management, marking a significant milestone for the city’s education system. The transition, years in the making, involved collaboration among students, families, educators, the School Board, City Council, and community partners to enhance accountability and coordination within the district. While the change is official, no immediate day-to-day changes are expected as the city and its partners continue working closely with district leadership and state officials in the weeks ahead.

Mayor Smiley emphasized local management as a means of fostering responsibility, transparency, and commitment to students’ success. The City Council, led by President Rachel Miller, expressed support for the move and highlighted recent efforts to improve school procurement processes. Since taking office, Smiley’s administration has invested heavily in school infrastructure, completing six new learning facilities and advancing seven more projects, with a goal that all students will learn in new or renovated buildings by 2030. Funding for PPSD has increased by over $18 million since 2023. Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez praised the progress made under state leadership and stressed the importance of sustaining growth with a focus on students as the district moves forward under local control.