Providence Mayoral Candidate Cuervo Calls for Superintendent Peters to Resign
GoLocalProv Political Team
Providence Mayoral Candidate Cuervo Calls for Superintendent Peters to Resign
“By putting personal friendship and loyalty above the safety and welfare of Providence’s children, Superintendent Peters has demonstrated questionable judgment and cast a dark cloud over ongoing efforts to turn our schools around. Ultimately, our youth suffer as a result,” said Cuervo.
"It's time for conversations and actions that revolve around - and engage - our youth and their families," Cuervo added. "We've heard a lot from the adults in the system and not nearly enough from those impacted the most by a failing system. It's time to change that dynamic in order to bring about systemic change. Involving more community input in the hiring process for our next superintendent can ensure that our children’s best interest remains at the forefront."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOn Friday Peters appeared on GoLocal LIVE.
Peters said he has “got to take responsibility” for hiring school top official Dr. Olayinka Alege, who was arrested last week.
Both Peters and Alege came from Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida — where Alege was known for “toe-popping” students as a form of punishment before being told to stop.
Alege’s arrest last Monday was for forcibly massaging a minor’s foot at a Warwick gym. He resigned following the arrest.
“I’m still just upset. I trusted someone that betrayed that trust,” said Peters on GoLocal LIVE. “I brought someone to the community of Providence that betrayed the trust of the community.”
Peters discussed both the recent arrest — and what he knew in Florida.
“I got an email from the Warwick Police Department and it simply said they were getting ready to investigate an allegation of Dr. Alege and a situation at the gym, so I immediately called them to get as much information as they had at the time,” he said. “In less than 24 hours we put him on administrative leave.
“When we were able to get the police report, I read some of the details…apparently there’s video out there that corroborates some of the victim’s assertions. That was a deal breaker; I immediately asked Dr. Alege for his resignation,” said Peters.
Peters -- and Politics
Neither of the other active candidates — Councilor Nirva LaFortune nor Brett Smiley have made any statement.
On Monday at 5:30 PM, the Senate Committee on Rules, Government Ethics, and Oversight will hold a hearing on Providence Public Schools' hiring practices.