“Disturbed, Frustrated, and Angry” - RI State Rep Leaves Job at Providence Public Schools
GoLocalProv News Team
“Disturbed, Frustrated, and Angry” - RI State Rep Leaves Job at Providence Public Schools
Rep. Enrique Sanchez, who represents District 9 in Providence, said he had been teaching Spanish as a substitute at Central High School since October 2021.
He told GoLocal that when he returned to school after winter break this year in January, he was told of the administration’s decision.
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"I haven't resigned officially, but I am no longer with the school department," said Sanchez, who said he now works at the nonprofit Dorcas International.
Sanchez, who said his educational teaching experience includes working at Juanita Sanchez, Mt. Pleasant, and Alvarez, said he has been trying to pursue certification — while balancing his pursuit of politics; he was first elected to the Rhode Island General Assembly in 2022.
And it’s his politics, according to Sanchez, that made him question the school’s decision to move him.
Questioning Political Motivations
“I do think there are individuals within the school district and the Department of Education who have an issue with my viewpoints of the schools' takeover and the Providence schools,” said Sanchez. “I believe there is tension and the things I’ve been pushing back against, including school closures and decisions made by RIDE.”
Sanchez said he asked the school to tell his students that he didn’t “leave of his own free will” — but that the message had never been relayed to them.
According to Sanchez, he went to a basketball game a few weeks after he left to see his students and said that he had a “heated” argument with the school principal and assistant principal.
“I said it was wrong what they did, to kick me out of my class. They knew how close I was with them,” said Sanchez. “Nothing physical happened. We cussed at each other — but I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“The reason I was in the schools is that I genuinely want to work with youth and do my part as someone who has ties to the community. I was born in Providence and grew up here for a big chunk [of my youth]. I’m someone who understands what kids go through and their life circumstances, not just at school but at home," he said.
“I was taking a cut for pay and sacrificing my financial well-being,” said Sanchez. “I chose to stay and to work as a school sub because I wanted to be in the community and work with the youth to do my due diligence, and also my politics.”
When asked when -- and why -- Sanchez left, Providence Public Schools responded with the following.
"Mr. Sanchez was a substitute and last worked with PPSD on December 19, 2022. He has not reported to any substitute assignments since this date. He was a per-diem/day-to-day (uncertified) substitute," said PPSD Communications Chief Suzanne Oullette.