BREAKING NEWS: Gist 'Deeply Concerned' About Providence Schools

BREAKING NEWS: Gist 'Deeply Concerned' About Providence Schools

Education Commissioner Deborah Gist today said she is "deeply concerned" about the leadership in the Providence school system, after the announcement that the city has four more failing schools and that Superintendent Thomas Brady is stepping down.

Gist released the following statement:

"Superintendent Tom Brady has been a powerful force for change in the Providence Public Schools, and he has been a true partner in our work toward transforming education in Rhode Island. Under his leadership, the Providence Public Schools have taken major steps toward developing a uniform curriculum across the district, reforming the lowest-achieving schools, and building productive partnerships between management and the teachers union," Gist said.

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She added: "With the announcement about his departure and with the departure of his deputy, Sharon Contreras, I am deeply concerned about a leadership gap in the Providence Schools and I will offer my assistance to Mayor Taveras and the School Board to help ensure that the Providence Schools continue on the path toward greatness. I wish Superintendent Brady and Sharon Contreras well as they move on to the next stage in their careers."