Prov School Board Member Says Investigation Is in Motion, Criticizes Infante-Green Leadership
GoLocalProv News Team and News Editor Kate Nagle
Prov School Board Member Says Investigation Is in Motion, Criticizes Infante-Green Leadership
An ongoing GoLocal series unveiled significant issues relating to the award of the $72 million contract to ABM and uncovered the secret $3.2 million payment to Aramark.
Stephens, in comments during Thursday’s Providence School Board meeting, discussed the investigation. SEE VIDEO ABOVE
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Regarding the secret payment to Aramark of $3.2 million, Stephens said, “First, I'd like to mention that I was not presented with any concrete termination fee agreement. After reviewing both the Finance [Committee] meeting and School Board meeting, it's evident that $3.2 million was not a topic of discussion.”
“If such an amount had been presented to me, I would have strongly opposed it. Why? $3.2 million is a substantial amount. It can be used for school improvements, better support for social and emotional needs, and getting educational materials,” said Stephens.
“I’ve also heard concerns about payroll problems and the need for more support for the payroll and registration teams. Paying an outgoing vendor that much money is extremely concerning, especially with my taxes involved,” Stephens said.
The secret agreement between PPSD and Aramark states in part: “The Parties agree that they will not disclose the existence and terms of this Release) as well as the underlying circumstances leading to this Release. The Parties will only disclose information regarding this Release) and then only to the extent reasonably necessary, to their attorneys, financial advisors and tax advisors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties may disclose information regarding this Release to other third parties only to the extent that such disclosure is required by applicable law."
“As a result, Night Jean and I felt the need to elevate this matter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Rhode Island Attorney General's office to initiate an investigation. Yes, the Providence School Board unanimously approved this [$72 million contract awarded to ABM], and RIDE keeps emphasizing this fact, seemingly attempting to shift the blame onto us [Providence School Board],” said Stephens.
As GoLocal reported, the decision to push Aramark out and replace it with ABM was directed by Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, who, under the 2019 takeover agreement, now has oversight of the Providence Public School Department.
“Let me clarify that under the Crowley Act the Rhode Island Education Commissioner was granted extensive authority over the budget, program, personnel, and governance of PPSD. This effectively replaced the powers of the Providence School Board and the Mayor of Providence,” said Stephens. “This overarching responsibility also extends into the process and approval of the ABM contract, which ultimately holds the Commissioner and her team responsible which led to both Night Jean and I calling for an independent investigation.”
“I’ve heard the Rhode Island Education Commissioner say on numerous occasions that she has sweeping authority under the Crowley Act, and she can do what she wants. So she’s ultimately responsible,” Stephens added.