Interim Providence Schools Superintendent Montañez to Serve as Acting Superintendent

Interim Providence Schools Superintendent Montañez to Serve as Acting Superintendent

Dr. Javier Montañez, who has served as the Interim Superintendent of Providence Schools since June, will continue to head the Providence Public School District as Acting Superintendent for the 2021-2022 school year. 

Governor Dan McKee and Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green made the announcement that Montañez had been chosen. 

He an alum of Hope High School who has worked in Providence Public Schools for more than two decades, has been overseeing the district’s expanded summer learning programming and preparations for a return to full in-person learning this fall.

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As GoLocal reported in June, McKee "personally jumped into the middle of the political and educational chaos in Providence Public Schools" when he named the Providence middle school principal with no apparent management experience to head the Providence Public School Department.

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“Dr. Montañez has provided Providence families with stable leadership during a difficult time,” said McKee on Friday. “Right now, it is crucial that we continue to provide that same caliber of leadership as students and teachers return to the classroom. I am glad that Dr. Montañez will stay on board as Acting Superintendent and continue to share his expertise.”

“Dr. Montañez is a kind, passionate advocate for the students and families of Providence,” said Infante-Green. “His rich experience as both a student and an educator in Providence Public Schools has made him into an empathetic leader who cares deeply about the outcomes we can create for our students. I have enjoyed working with him, and I am looking forward to continuing our partnership in the coming school year to improve Providence schools.”

“In just a few short months, I have had the opportunity to meet so many students, families, and educators from across Providence. In each of them, I have seen the amazing potential in our schools, as long as we are willing to put in the work and support our community,” said Montañez. “It is a great honor to have had the opportunity to lead Providence Public Schools over the summer, and I am thrilled to continue in this role as we transform this district.” 

Montañez began his career in Providence as a bilingual teacher at Spaziano Elementary--then known as Laurel Hill Elementary--in 1997, before being promoted multiple times, including to assistant principal and principal.

Montañez received a Masters of Education from Rhode Island College and a doctorate in educational leadership from Johnson & Wales University.