RI Board of Education Chair Defends Her Lack of Visits to Providence Schools

RI Board of Education Chair Defends Her Lack of Visits to Providence Schools

Rhode Island Board of Education Chair Barbara Cottam defended her lack of presence in the Providence schools on Monday, saying she is “familiar with the city” from her childhood — and some of her adult years.

In December, GoLocal reported that Cottam had only toured one Providence School in the previous year. 

Cottam, who is on the Board of Trustees at La Salle Academy, has, in contrast, spent considerable time at the Providence private school in her advisory capacity. 

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"My mother was a school teacher in Providence so I am very familiar with Providence from both my childhood and my through some of my adult years," said Cottam, who was joined by education and community officials on Monday for the announcement of the new “turnaround” superintendent in Providence, Harrison Peters. 

"I visited a number of schools the first year I assumed this responsibility. I toured schools not only throughout Providence but throughout the state because I chair the Board of Education which is responsible for elementary.secondary, and post-secondary education — K-20," she said. 

"I have spent the majority of my time working on issues relating to Providence Public Schools which I hope now that we have a superintendent and a commissioner we can move forward not only in the transformation for Providence but for all of our students statewide," added Cottam. 

Part-Time Board Chair

As GoLocal reported:

Cottam, Governor Gina Raimondo’s close ally, was appointed by the Governor five years ago as the chair of the Rhode Island Board of Education. Despite the length of the tenure and the critical role Cottam plays in the State’s education system, other than press events it is hard for anyone to identify Cottam visiting a Providence school.

By every measure, Providence Public Schools are among the worst-performing in the United States. At Roger Williams Middle School, 4 percent of students met expectations for English language arts and 2 percent for math. No students exceeded expectations.

Cottam has not met with teachers or visited a classroom or checked in on the physical condition of any of the Providence Schools.

But, she continues to be a big-time political player in Rhode Island having donated nearly $10,000 to politicos in Rhode Island -- more than half of those donations ($5,100) going to Raimondo.

On Monday, RIDE Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green defended Cottam’s role. 

"Barbara has a full-time job — that’s why I’m here, that’s why she hired me, so I take a little offense to that questions because that’s my job and Barbara is a partner. I can tell you you can’t have a better partner," said Infante-Green.