PPSD Goals & Guardrails Goal 1: Early Childhood Literacy The percent of grade 3 students who score proficient on the RICAS ELA assessment will increase from 22% in May 2024 to 50% in May 2030. Goal 2: Elementary Readiness & Secure Skills (Grade 4 Milestone) The percent of grade 4 students who score proficient on the RICAS Math assessment will increase from 30% in May 2024 to 45% by May 2030. Goal 3: Middle School Readiness for High School The percent of grade 8 students who score proficient on the RICAS ELA assessment will increase from 15% in May 2024 to 30% in May 2030. Goal 4: PPSD Graduates with Industry Credential
The percentage of students who graduate from PPSD with an industry credential will move from 14.6% in June 2024 to 25% in June 2030. Goal 5: Civic and Global Engagement The percentage of students who graduate from PPSD who demonstrate proficiency on the Portrait of a Graduate Civic and Global Competence will increase from 0% in May 2024 to 70% in June 2030 on the Portrait of a Graduate Civic and Global Engagement Rubric. Guardrails
The Superintendent shall not allow educators or leaders not meeting performance standards to serve in schools identified as CSI or redesign. The Superintendent shall not implement significant changes without first engaging community members most closely impacted by those changes. The Superintendent shall not allow learning environments—school policy or practices—where students feel unsafe, unsupported physically, emotionally, or culturally. The Superintendent shall not make decisions that have a disproportionately negative impact on students furthest from educational justice. Phase 4A School Building I’m excited to share an update on the work to build 21st century learning centers Phase 4A is up for approval and this includes Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary (moving to PK–8), Vartan Gregorian Elementary, and Hope High School. This is a long-term plan to modernize Providence schools and create learning environments that truly support student success. These upgrades aren’t just construction projects, they're investments in our neighborhoods, our families, and our future. In Region 1, a PK–8 campus is especially helpful because of the number of families that fall off from the public schools when their kids go to middle school. Some families struggle with big middle schools and this plan will ensure Nathan Bishop stays while also providing an opportunity to students who need a smaller learning environment. You can read the full briefing on the proposed changes, community input, and upcoming decision-making timelines here. PPSD Highlights: Student Outcomes and SuccessA Stronger Start on RICAS and i-Ready
Providence students began the 2025–26 school year at a stronger starting point than last year even with testing happening nearly a month earlier.
In reading, 14% of students are already on or above grade level, with Grade 3 students leading the way at 24%. In math, about 9% of students started at or above grade level, showing steady readiness across cohorts. Elementary students now show a strong “middle band” who are just one year below grade level, a major opportunity for acceleration this fall. Middle grades remain our biggest challenge, but we’re tackling it head-on through stronger Tier I instruction, acceleration blocks, and 4–6 week learning cycles. It’s progress worth celebrating and motivation to keep going. Bailey Elementary Named a 2025 Blue Ribbon School
I’m incredibly proud that Robert L. Bailey IV Elementary School has been named a 2025 Blue Ribbon School for closing the achievement gap, only the third Providence school ever to earn this honor. The teachers and administrators should be incredibly proud of the work they did to earn such a prestigious distinction. Attendance Gains Across the City
Providence had multiple schools rank among the top five in Rhode Island for improved attendance and reductions in chronic absenteeism. That means more students are in class, learning every day and it’s proof that our collective effort around engagement, communication, and family partnerships is working. Career & Technical Education (CTE)As Chair of the CTE Committee, I recently hosted a workshop on student-outcome-focused governance led by our partners at the Council for Great City Schools. We’ve received over 30+ hours of professional development and this builds on this momentum. We’re also working hard to add additional CTE tracks including trades but also IT programs like AI. Providence is also preparing for CTE and high school enrollment season. Families should save these key dates:
Classical High School Entrance Exam: Now available in Spanish and with special education accommodations to ensure equitable access for every student. CTE Applications: Open January 4–10, with over 29 career and technical programs to explore at ProvidenceSchools.org/CTE. Working Toward Local ControlWe continue to make meaningful progress toward ending the state takeover of Providence Public Schools. This month, the board conducted our first read of the new Goals and Guardrails a major milestone in meeting the Commissioner’s requirements for returning to local control. We also heard updates from our Ad Hoc Committee on Bylaws and Agenda Redesign Committee, both focused on ensuring that student outcomes are front and center in every decision. The board is more collaborative and focused than ever on what students will know and learn. Every day brings us closer to restoring full local control grounded in clear, measurable goals that reflect our community’s voice. Join Me on the School Board!The appointment process for the East Side School Board seat has officially begun, and the Mayor is accepting applications. This is a unique opportunity to serve our community and work together to ensure our neighbors are heard and that every student in our district is thriving. Serving on the School Board means monitoring student performance, shaping policy, and helping guide the district through one of its most important transitions as Providence returns to local control. It’s challenging, rewarding work and I’m deeply grateful to School Board Member Melissa Hughes, who unfortunately decided not to seek reappointment. Melissa has been an incredibly principled leader, always focused on student outcomes. I’ve learned so much from serving alongside her and look forward to seeing how she continues to support our schools. Application Details:
Deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025, at 4:30 PM Public Forum: Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 5 PM Location: Providence Career & Technical Academy (41 Fricker St, Providence) Extracurriculars & Other NewsLearn365RI and the Davey Lopes Recreation Center
The Davey Lopes Recreation Center (227 Dudley Street) is one of Providence’s key sites in the state’s Learn365RI initiative, a statewide effort led by Governor Dan McKee to expand after-school and summer learning opportunities. In September, Mayor Brett Smiley and Governor McKee celebrated the groundbreaking for major renovations at Davey Lopes. The project, supported by Learn365RI grants, will create more space for community programs and year-round learning. Learn365RI provides grants for cities and towns to partner with education agencies and community groups, helping make learning happen beyond the school day a critical step in improving academic outcomes statewide. From Bailey Elementary’s Blue Ribbon honor to the board’s focus on student outcomes, Providence is building momentum. The hard work of our educators, families, and students is paying off and it’s moving us closer to the thriving, locally governed school system our city deserves. With gratitude,
Corey Jones
Region 1 School Board Member, Providence Public Schools
Chair, Career & Technical Education Committee Liaison to the School Building Committee |
