VIDEO: “It’s a Crisis" Says Raimondo of Providence Schools; One of the Worst School Systems in U.S.

VIDEO: “It’s a Crisis" Says Raimondo of Providence Schools; One of the Worst School Systems in U.S.

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo called Providence schools a “broken system” on Wednesday following the release of the scathing Johns Hopkins report — but stopped short of calling for a state takeover of the state’s largest school district. 

“Unfortunately, I’m here with upsetting news,” said Raimondo at the press conference with Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green of the “devastating report. “It sheds light on what is clearly a broken system.”

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

“Shocking, not because I didn’t expect to learn that there were problems — we saw the test results — we’ve seen challenged test results for a long long time — the report showed me it’s much worse than I realized,” said Raimondo. “It’s beyond low test scores — it’s the basics — teachers students and educators don’t feel safe in their schools — and real learning isn’t happening. It’s on us to fix this system.”

Raimondo cited that John Hopkins experts called Providence the worst school system in America that they have analyzed.

“Our challenge is to channel our outrage into action. I’m more determined than ever to do whatever it takes to turn this system around and give these kids a chance,” said Raimondo.

Raimondo noted that the first parental engagement forum is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the William D’Abate Elementary School at 60 Kossuth Street in Providence.

“Look in the mirror. Get ready for big change — don’t look to point fingers,” said Raimondo. “The finger to point at is a broken system that’s letting students, parents, and teachers down."

Raimondo said she will be awaiting “further plan” from Infante-Green.

“The state will have to get more involved. In light of the crisis, there’s no scenario where the state doesn’t get involved.  We all knew there was a problem — now we know how big it is,” said Raimondo.  “I am filled with hope that this is our opportunity — that the community is ready — and there is a solution — in the years to come. You can’t fix a broken system overnight.

Elorza, who said the report “paints a grim, concerning and accurate picture of the challenges and struggles in the Providence school department” said that “transformational change” was needed.

“We can’t do it under the current structure — we’re looking to do something unprecedented —- it will be a national model of a turnaround of a school department that is failing our kids,” said Elorza.

In the report, Elorza said there was “one” Providence elementary school he wouldn’t send his kid to — but refused on Wednesday to say which school that is.

“We are all responsible,” said Infante-Green. “We all knew what was happening. We’re going to take this moment that’s extremely painful and lock arms and move forward. I don’t care what happened yesterday — we’re moving forward.”