Providence School Board Application
Application Deadline: November 20, 2026
With the general election still ahead, we’re beginning preparations for a potential Morales administration. As part of that work, the David Morales mayoral transition team is accepting applications for two appointed seats on the Providence School Board:
Region 3: Wards 6, 7, and 15
Region 4: Wards 8, 9, and 10
Applicants must live in the region for the seat they are seeking. Appointed members serve three-year terms and must be approved by the Providence City Council.
An important moment for Providence schools
Providence’s public schools returned to local control in July 2026 after nearly seven years under state intervention. PPSD, under School Board governance, now has the immense responsibility to make that return count for its students, teachers, and families.
David Morales is seeking experienced, capable leaders who are ready to take part in that responsibility. David’s vision for public education starts with making sure our schools have what they need: enough educators and support staff, timely services for students with disabilities, strong multilingual education, and access to mental health care. Families should have a say in decisions about their children’s schools, and educators should be able to count on leadership that respects their expertise.
The School Board will have a central role in this work. We encourage applications from people with the experience, judgment, and commitment to help lead it.
A public selection process
The mayoral transition’s Education & Youth Engagement Committee will lead the review of applicants. Students, families, educators, and community members will have opportunities to meet candidates, ask questions, and help inform the committee’s recommendations to David Morales.
The process will include:
Application review: The committee will review applicants’ experience, qualifications, understanding of Providence schools, and readiness to serve.
Community forum: Applicants will participate in a public forum to discuss their priorities and answer questions from the Providence community.
Student forum: Providence Public School District students will lead a student forum with applicants, asking about the issues that matter to them and assessing how candidates would represent their interests on the Board.
Recommendations: The committee will consider applications, interviews, and community and student feedback in making recommendations to David Morales. Appointments are made by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.
Participation in the community forum and student forum is required to be considered for nomination. Dates, locations, and additional details will be announced on this page, shared with members of the media, and provided directly to applicants.
What School Board members do
The Providence School Board is the governing body responsible for overseeing the Providence Public School District. It has ten members: five elected by Providence voters and five appointed by the Mayor with City Council approval.
The Board sets district policy and direction, oversees the budget, and hires and evaluates the Superintendent. The Superintendent is responsible for the district’s day-to-day administration.
Board members are expected to:
Establish clear goals for student learning and wellbeing, review progress, and press for changes when the district falls short.
Review and oversee the district’s budget, understand financial tradeoffs, and advocate for the resources students need.
Hold the Superintendent accountable for district performance while supporting effective leadership.
Adopt and review policies that protect students’ rights and improve their education.
Seek input from students, families, educators, and school staff before making consequential decisions.
Explain decisions to the public and remain available to the communities they serve.
Come prepared to meetings, exercise independent judgment, and work productively with colleagues.
Follow applicable ethics, open meetings, and confidentiality requirements.
Who should apply
We are looking for applicants with a demonstrated commitment to public service and public education, along with experience that will help them govern a large, complex school district.
Strong applicants will bring:
Relevant experience and a record of results. This may include work in education, organizational leadership, public administration, financial oversight, law, policy, or community organizing.
An understanding of Providence schools. Applicants should be familiar with the challenges facing the district and able to explain how their experience would help address them.
Sound judgment. Members must be able to review budgets and proposals, weigh evidence, recognize gaps in their knowledge, and ask for the information needed to make responsible decisions.
The ability to work through disagreement. Members should be prepared to listen carefully, challenge decisions when necessary, and work with colleagues to get things done.
A commitment to students and families. This includes defending the rights of students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and students who have been underserved by our schools.
The time and willingness to do the work. Effective service requires preparation, consistent attendance, and engagement beyond Board meetings.
The Board should reflect the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of Providence, as well as the range of experiences within our school communities.
Eligibility
To serve, applicants must:
Be a resident and qualified elector of the City of Providence.
Reside in the region for the seat they are seeking.
Hold no other paid office or employment with the City.
Have no direct or indirect financial interest in a contract concerning the public schools.
Time commitment and compensation
Members should plan for regular Board meetings, committee meetings, and additional meetings as needed, along with substantial time to review materials. Service also includes visiting schools, listening to students and families, attending school events, and participating in training.
Meetings may take place during evening hours. Current meeting schedules and agendas are available on the Providence Public School District website.
School Board members receive a modest annual stipend.
Providence School Board Application
With the general election still ahead, we’re preparing for a potential Morales administration. The David Morales mayoral transition team is accepting applications for two appointed School Board seats beginning in 2027.
Region 3: Wards 6, 7, and 15
Region 4: Wards 8, 9, and 10
Application deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
The Education & Youth Engagement Committee will review applications. The process includes a public community forum and a student forum led by PPSD students. Dates and locations will be announced. Mayoral appointments require City Council approval.