Providence committee backs resolution supporting "empowerment" school model and statute changes for local control

The Providence City CouncilSpecial Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity and Education on Feb. 13 voted to endorse a resolution supporting recommendations from a special state senate commission to expand school-based flexibility and customized management models aimed at returning more local control to Providence schools. Councilman Justin Royers moved the motion and Councilwoman Sherry Peterson seconded; the motion carried.

The resolution asks local stakeholders to adopt the study commission—s recommendations and signals the council—s support for statutory changes the presenters said are necessary to make such models work. Education consultant Steven Smith told the committee, "without changes in statute, no plan," arguing that existing state laws constrain many reforms the city might pursue.

The committee heard a 40-minute presentation from Matthew Montero, a representative of Empowerment Schools, who described district-driven community partnerships and customized models used in other cities. Montero cited Springfield, Mass., and Fort Worth, Texas, as examples where schools formed partnership boards or worked with local institutions to gain greater control over staffing, schedules, budgets and…