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Here’s who won the Providence School Board election
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Here’s who won the Providence School Board election

PROVIDENCE — Voters elected five members to the Providence School Board while unseating three incumbents in a historic race for a brand new board, half of which will be selected by the mayor and half appointed. this was that For the first time since 1966 That Providence voters elect school board members.

The winners of the nonpartisan race were Corey Jones from the East Side 1st District, Michelle Lee Fontes from the 2nd District on the north end of the city, Heidi Silverio from the 3rd District on the city’s west side, and Mireya Mendoza from the 4th District. south side and Ty’Relle Stephens in District 5, the central district.

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Stephens was the only incumbent member of the current school board to retain his seat. Toni Akin, Night Jean Muhingabo and Michael Nina were not on the ballot but can still seek appointment by Mayor Brett Smiley to the remaining 5 seats.

Smiley is expected to begin accepting applications for these seats from Friday, Nov. 8 through Dec. 13.

Three of the candidates Endorsed by the Providence Teachers Association – Jones, Silverio and Stephens – managed to win a seat on the board. Fontes was the only candidate endorsed by the pro-charter school group Stop the Wait RI. Approved the candidate list.

The school board race was unique for several reasons. Besides being a brand new hybrid board concept, that body also currently lacks authority over spending, hiring and school policy under the state takeover of Providence schools. However, the takeover is currently scheduled to end in 2027, so the new members are expected to return to power within their first four-year terms.

If the number of members is even, there is no vote to break the tie.


Steph Machado can be reached at [email protected]. follow him @StephMachado. Alexa Gagosz can be reached at [email protected]. follow him @alexagagosz and on Instagram @AlexaGagosz.