Mayor Brett Smiley Announces School Board Appointments! Providence City Council to Vote Tomorrow Night
In a landmark announcement, Providence Rhode Island Brett Smiley announced his recommendations for filling the 5 vacant appointments to the Providence Public Schools Board. These appointments are subject to the approval of the Providence City Council.
The new Board is the first Board elected/appointed under the “Hybrid Model”, with elected and appointed representation. The Providence City Charter was amended in 2022, with voters supporting the change. This after then Mayor Jorge Elorza vetoed a recommendation placing the charter amendment on the ballot.
Interestingly, Melissa Hughes, a Mayoral Appointee, was cited by Mayor Elorza as an opponent of the Hybrid School Committee, in an August 2022 statement.
From the Office of Providence Mayor Brett Smiley:
Mayor Brett P. Smiley today announced his recommendation of five new members to the Providence School Board. These appointments reflect Mayor Smiley’s ongoing commitment to improving educational outcomes and ensuring that the board is comprised of diverse, experienced leaders dedicated to the success of all Providence students.
“These recommendations are an important step in strengthening our education system and ensuring the success of every student in Providence,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Each candidate brings valuable expertise and a strong commitment to our community. As we work toward successfully returning to local control, these leaders will be essential in advancing our educational priorities and ensuring that all students, teachers and families receive the support they need to thrive.”
The following candidates have been recommended for appointment to the Providence School Board:
Melissa Hughes (Region 1) who is a parent of two Providence Public Schools students and currently serves as the Secretary and Chair of the Policy Committee for the Providence School Board. She has also previously served on the Providence School Building Committee, the Providence Schools Parent Advisory Council and the parent-teacher organizations at each of her children’s PPSD schools.
Ashley (Anjel) Newmann (Region 2) who is a Co-Executive and Youth Program Director at AS220 and current member of the Providence School Board. Additionally, Anjel teaches art, design and social justice classes for local colleges and universities.
Jenny Mercado (Region 3) who is a certified Nursing Assistant at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and a Mount Pleasant High School graduate. As a mother of two Providence students, she advocates for bilingual and newly arrived parents, helping them navigate the Providence public school system.
Night Jean Muhingabo (Region 4) who is a Direct Care Provider for seniors with disabilities at Perspectives Corporation Country and current Providence School Board member. Appointed to the Providence School Board in 2021, he has led the effort to focus health and wellness on his respective committees.
Steven Williamson (Region 5) who is a Planning and Programming Specialist at the Rhode Island Department of Health. He has been actively involved in local nonprofits and community work and is dedicated to improving education and the quality-of-life for Providence residents.
The five candidates will be introduced to the Providence City Council for approval on January 16. Once approved by the Committee on Finance and then by the full Providence City Council, the candidates will be sworn in by Mayor Smiley in February.
