2024 Providence School Board Applicant Profiles

Name
Patrick Boulay

Current Occupation
Associate Director, Quality Systems and Compliance at Deciphera Pharmaceuticals

Community Leadership Positions
Board member, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation MA/RI chapter
Former president, Ocean State Summer Pops Orchestra
Former treasurer and founding member, Narragansett Bay Symphony Orchestra

Personal Biography
Patrick is a pharmaceutical professional with 12 years experience in Quality. He is a former educator with 25+ years of experience in a combination of high school, college, and tutoring, specializing in mathematics, the sciences, and test prep. He has a B.A in Mathematics from SNHU.

Patrick is a passionate proponent of accessibility to STEM education and the visual and performing arts. He and his wife, Shannon, homeschooled their two children for several years and have experience reading and adhering to the schooling requirements in RI General Laws. Patrick also plays violin and viola with local groups.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I have a passion for accessibility and equity within education, specifically ensuring that students have adequate support for STEM subjects and the arts. I grew up in a low-income family in Fall River, MA around the time heroin hit our area. Several of my classmates or their family members succumbed to substance abuse or gang activity. Consequently, several of my friends were in the foster care system and had difficulty finding a stable and safe housing situation. I see similar challenges from my upbringing in the students and community of the Providence schools and believe I can help.

 

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Name
Herman Brewster

Current Occupation
Retired

Community Leadership Positions
ART Connection Rhode Island

Personal Biography
I was born and raised in Wakefield, RI where I attended Wakefield Grammar and South Kingstown High Schools . I was High School class president for four years. My parents were self-employed, each having their own business. I was a Cub and Boy Scout. As a teenager I worked for my fathers masonry business . I moved to Providence after my parents died, Met my wife at Vocational Rehabilitation. We have been married for 54 years and have two boys. I retired from Children’s Friend and Service when I was 74. I belong to the Attleboro Arts Museum where I exhibit my photographs. Madeline and I collect Native American and contemporary American pottery from the Blue Hills of Maine to Durango, Co

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I wish to serve because the School Dept. has failed by omission. It’s not as if the Superintendent and people of influence don’t have examples of successful schools. There are more than twenty within easy driving distance. The first thought that comes to mind, since we are all people with probably some of the same skills, is CARING. The Providence School District leaders apparently don’t care. If they do they lack the skills to create a school culture that makes every student feel safe, respected and admired. But I know a lot of people in the community, even those with adult children, who do care and view the take over as a smoke screen and not a solution because the current appointed leaders have not given the impression that they care. Providence lacks caring visionary leaders.

 

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Name
Sheylon Burrell

Current Occupation
Business Development Liaison at Navigant Credit Union

Community Leadership Positions
Church Community Coordinator at Culture Worship Center

Personal Biography
Sheylon Burrell is a finance professional with over 15 years of experience in banking and credit union operations. As Business Development Liaison at Navigant Credit Union, she excels in driving deposits, loans, and strategic partnerships, while analyzing budgets and contracts. Deeply committed to community service, Sheylon leads initiatives like annual Back-to-School Celebrations and gas giveaways, benefiting hundreds of families. An Evangelist at Kingdom Culture Center, she empowers others through faith and leadership. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership at College Unbound. With expertise in finance and a passion for equity, Sheylon is a strong advocate for educational progress.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
Just a couple of days ago, I saw the Mayor’s frustration and the City Council President choked up over the Commissioner’s budget decisions. Hearing about the potential loss of vital city resources, discussions of raising taxes, and the possibility of cutting youth programs is deeply troubling.

As a parent with a child at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, others who’ve graduated from Providence Public Schools, and as a proud graduate myself, I care deeply about the future of our schools and our city.

I stand with the Mayor and City Council in believing that with the right leadership and selections on the board, we can come together to guide Providence through these challenges. With my finance background and my passion as a parent, I’m ready to contribute and help create real, positive change.

 

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Name
Julia Carlson

Current Occupation
Professional Development Specialist

Community Leadership Positions
Lupus Foundation

Personal Biography
I have served as an educational leader for more than 20 years, transforming schools and districts through strategic planning, product innovation, and implementation science. As a former principal in the Providence Public Schools, I developed the “College Bridge Project” with then CCRI President Dr. Meghan Hughes. I also was the first High School administrator to bring in City Year. I served as an assistant superintendent in Massachusetts, special education teacher in Hawaii, and private educational product management director. I have led impactful turnaround initiatives to drive sustainable improvement in diverse educational settings. I am the author of Implementation Science: A Playbook for Instructional Leaders, that is dedicated to empowering educators and advancing student success through practical, research-based solutions. I am most importantly a mother of two PPSD students, one at Classical High School and the other graduating two years ago.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I am passionate about serving on the Providence School Board to help drive meaningful change for students, families, and educators in our community. With a deep background in educational leadership and a commitment to equity, I am eager to support the board’s mission to create a high-quality, inclusive educational experience for all students. I believe my expertise in implementation science and strategic planning can contribute to solutions that address Providence’s unique challenges, improve academic outcomes, and build a sustainable, collaborative vision for the district. Serving on the board would allow me to make a positive impact on our schools.

While at Central High School, we grew graduation rates from 54% to 80% in three years. We increased ELA and Math scores by double digits. I brought in the Reach Higher event and was honored by President Obama at the White House for our attendance.

 

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Name
Ryan Holt

Current Occupation
Chief of Staff, Mayor Grebien of Pawtucket

Community Leadership Positions
Member, Providence Zoning Board

Personal Biography
I am a Providence native and a proud graduate of Classical High School, Providence College, and Northeastern University School of Law.

Following law school, I worked for President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign and then began my career in Boston as legal counsel to a financial services company.

I then decided to move home to Providence where my career has been split between the public and private sectors where I have worked for law firms, the Attorney General, and currently as Chief of Staff to Mayor Grebien in Pawtucket. I also serve on the Providence Zoning Board.

I currently live Downtown.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I am passionate about public service and a proud graduate of Classical High School. While I do not have children of my own, I very much want to improve our public schools. The quality of schools impacts whether or not a family chooses to make our City their home or whether a business decides to stay or relocate to the City.

I feel that my experience as a municipal Chief of Staff and as an attorney will allow me to provide a perspective that will be particularly useful to the Board as control eventually transfers back from the State.

 

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Name
Melissa Hughes

Current Occupation
Volunteer and Parent of two Providence Public School Students

Community Leadership Positions
Providence School Board (Secretary and Chairperson of Policy Committee)
School Building Committee (Parent Representative)
Parents Leading for Educational Equity (Parent Leader)

Personal Biography
I am the parent of two Providence Public Schools students. I currently serve as School Board Secretary and Chair of the Policy Committee, working closely with the Board President and Vice President, collaborating with the Superintendent and his cabinet, and leading the review/revision of existing policies to better serve all students. I was appointed to the Providence School Building Committee in 2020; in that time Providence has opened several new or fully renovated schools. I previously served in leadership roles on the Providence Schools Parent Advisory Council and the parent teacher organizations at each of my children’s PPSD schools.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
As we enter into a new phase of the state intervention in Providence Schools and prepare for the return to local control, I believe it is crucial for the School Board to include members with leadership experience, demonstrated ability to collaborate across all stakeholder groups, and willingness to participate in ongoing professional development—all with a constant focus on improving outcomes for every Providence Schools student. I am honored to have been appointed to the School Board in 2024 and welcome the opportunity to continue in this role for several more years.

 

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Name
Stewart Martin

Current Occupation
Business owner of multiple vocations

Community Leadership Positions
Awardee of a City of Providence/USDA backyard composting mentorship grant

Personal Biography
My family and I have lived in Providence for the past 23+ years. We are passionate about our city, civic engagement, being excellent neighbors, environmental health and giving back to our community and city. I am father to an amazing, trilingual 24 year old daughter and partner to an equally amazing person who’s been employed by Brown University and Lincoln School. My multiple expertises are in teaching traditional photography, urban composting and gardening, teaching the Apple computer platform to computer-phobics and barbecue.

Please view the following links for a better understanding of my long time interests:
providencegardenworks.com
stewartmartin.net
fearlesscomputingri.com
drmartinsbbq.com

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I’d be thrilled to serve on the PSB because I know what a good education should look and feel like to students and their parents. My experience in public and private education has afforded me an interesting perspective that I know our city will benefit from. My voice has been shaped by observing so many unnecessary efforts and initiatives over the years. I am a product of a public school education. My daughter is a product of a private school education. In my view, there does not need to be any daylight between these two systems. Unfortunately, there is much. My voice, and the voices of other newbies can and just might shift the direction towards a more vital and engaging way of educating our children.

 

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Name
Laura Mernoff

Current Occupation
Lawyer

Community Leadership Positions
I am not currently holding any. In the past I was on the Jewish Community Center of Rhode Island for 10 years and the Sessions Street Community Garden Steering Committee.

Personal Biography
After moving to Providence in 1991 to attend the Rhode Island School of Design, I worked for some local architects. As a homeowner and community member, I have designed and built scenery for a number of years for local theaters and many Providence schools. Training at the Steel Yard, I made metal sculptures at Cabral Park, Nathan Bishop Middle School, among other places. I am a parent of former PPSD students. I recently earned a Juris Doctor degree from Roger Williams University School of Law, participating as a Rule 9 student attorney in criminal defense and immigration clinics.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
This is an exciting time to be on the Providence School Board as it gets handed back to the schools. I see many opportunities for influencing future policy. I wish to serve on the Providence School Board to help improve the quality of student life in PPSD, and to build programming to encourage student academic achievement. I hope to encourage expansion of arts programming and sports activities by building bridges with the Providence community. I would like to draw attention to some of the problems I have personally witnessed as a parent at the schools I have been involved with.

Name
Toni Akin

Current Occupation
Payroll / Treasury

Community Leadership Positions
Board Member of the Providence Public School Board
Officer of the Rhode Island Association of School Committees (RIASC)
Council Member, American Indian and Alaskan Native Council (AIAN)
Board Director ( Treasurer), TerraCorps; Return to Local Control Cabinet member

Personal Biography
I was raised by my late parents and Italian immigrant grandmother in public housing. They taught me the value of education and hard work by being role models. My father, Amon, studied medicine in the Navy and my mother, Kay, was a staunch supporter of public education. I received a $500 U.S. savings bond with a handwritten note from my grandmother with the words “graduate high school and go to college”. I still have that wrapper today and it is a motivating factor for my School Board candidacy, combined with my love for Providence and encouragement from my partner, Alice.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
In this time of great uncertainty, my work as a school board member is important now more than ever. I have over 17 years’ experience in public administration with a focus on finance and education management. I believe my extensive knowledge of the PPSD budget process, along with my strong treasury skills, serves the district very well. As a RIASC board member, I also bring deeper knowledge from the state level. I look forward to continuing the hard work of this honorable Committee alongside the school department’s administration, teachers and staff to ensure our schools are safe, productive and resourceful.

 

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Name
Jamil Clark

Current Occupation
Community activist

Community Leadership Positions
Open Doors Associate Director

Personal Biography
I am an educated, motivated and intelligent full-believer in democracy who engages fluently and effectively in highly charged situations as well as relaxed environments. I am also an effective multi-tasker who knows how to tackle complex problems and delegate authority. Education has been a life-long passion, and as both an administrator and student of it, I would only make the compromises to it necessary to further it’s goals.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
As a graduate of Classical High School, and an alumnus of the gifted program at Nathanael Greene Middle School, a high premium of education in the City of Providence is something I have always enjoyed. Efforts to improve the quality of education in the City for all students is something which has interested me ever since, and the opportunity to be a part of making that a better reality for Providence schools is something I am willing to devote focused time and energy on. The School Board’s calling to attend to every manner of school department purview in the interest of self-improvement energizes me greatly, and it is a humble and heartfelt goal of mine to serve the City in that capacity.

 

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Name
Timothy Donahue

Current Occupation
Administrator, Financial Management for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services of the State of Rhode Island.

Community Leadership Positions
I have no other competing volunteer commitments.

Personal Biography
I’m a 46-year-old Providence native and father of three. I am a graduate of the University of Rhode Island Master of Public Administration program and hold undergraduate degrees in economics and political science from the University of New Mexico. I also hold a GED diploma; I dropped out from Providence Public Schools in 1995.

For the last eight years I’ve worked in public finance and policy for the State of Rhode Island. Two of my children are students within the school district, both my wife and oldest child work in education outside of Providence Public Schools.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
With the state takeover coming to an end, the reinstitution of an elected schoolboard, and the historic investment in school facilities, Providence is at a pivotal moment. The board needs to have membership that provides dispassionate policy analysis which sets aside politics in favor of families and students, an experienced perspective about realistic financial choices, particularly given the city’s constraints, and holds school administration accountable for efficient administration by creating public transparency. These are the professional skills I can bring to the board, and I want to do my part to help.

 

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Name
Diana Garlington

Current Occupation
PVD Equity Fund Policy Program Officer

Community Leadership Positions
Pathway to End Gun Violence, Co -Chair
The Esscence T. Christal Female Youth Empowerment Program

Personal Biography
Diana Garlington, a Providence resident and devoted mother of four, has made a significant impact in her community through her activism, advocacy, and life coaching. Recognized in 2015 by the Woman’s Development Institute, Hometown Hero in 2016, Community Impact Award in 2018 from the Nonviolence Institute, 2019 Survivor Fellow for Moms Demand Action, and survivor membership lead. Diana has demonstrated unwavering dedication to creating safer communities. She is a founder of several initiatives, including Safer Communities for Justice, Esscence T. Christal Female Youth Empowerment Program, and Lock Arms for Peace. Served on the juvenile hearing board, the current secretary for the Rhode Island coalition against gun violence, and one gun gone. She is also the co-chair of RI City Council’s advisory board pathway to ending gun violence. Diana’s passion for positive change has earned her an Emmy award for her collaboration on the documentary ‘Forged in Fire’ with PBS.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I am committed to setting goals, holding districts accountable, and being results-driven. the passion and vision that I have held for changing the course of life for us all will benefit our youth, staff, and communities. I bring a different lens, and equity, will stay informed, and continue collaboration. I possess a knack for building a great rapport with parents and students. My policy and educational background will help bring more insightful and lasting results. Life coaching and facilitating are two essential qualities needed to seat any board, and I have the gift of possessing both.

 

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Name
Ashley (Anjel) Newmann

Current Occupation
AS220’s Co-Executive Director / College Unbound Faculty / Anti-racist Trainer with People’s Institute in New Orleans

Community Leadership Positions
PPSD School Board Member; AS220 Co-Executive Director

Personal Biography
Anjel is a Black American artist, creative director, social designer + educator from Rhode Island. Leveraging the values of Hip Hop + a range of artistic disciplines/ philosophies, at its root, Anjel’s work is about co-creating spaces that center those who are most impacted by systems of oppression, to reimagine + design a future that is as magical as it is just, ripe with possibility + wonder. Anjel specializes in using design principles to support organizations to transform from the inside out, with empathy + storytelling at the center. Currently, Anjel serves as AS220’s Co-Executive and Youth Program Director. Additionally, Anjel teaches art, design + social justice classes for local colleges + universities. As a trainer with the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, Anjel facilitates conversations with the goal of dismantling systemic racism. Her work as an artist is directly influenced by her work as a social designer, educator + facilitator.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I was humbled to be appointed to the School Board by Mayor Smiley last year. Unfortunately, with the new hybrid model, my 3-year service term became one. As a first-year member, I was committed to listening to community and learning how I could use my skills to be of better service to the board. If I were to be appointed again, I would be able to put into practice what I’ve learned and, more importantly, support newer members to find their place and power. We have some great people coming on and I want to help them adjust. My primary reason for wanting to be on the Board remains the same: the students in Providence are my heart and our city’s future. Education is the foundation for developing a healthy life, community and world. As adults, we have to stay relentless and committed to providing our students with the best opportunities so that they can grow into the leaders they are destined to be. When kids are healthy, so is Providence.

 

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Name
Alexander Palazzo

Current Occupation
IT Support Specialist / Part Time Farm Manager Assistant at Bami Farm and Farm Founder and Owner of Italian Farm USA

Community Leadership Positions
Volunteer Board Member for Selective Service System for Rhode Island and Volunteer U.S. Marine Corps Cyber Auxiliary Civilian

Personal Biography
Alexander is a dedicated professional who combines his expertise in IT support with a passion for agriculture and community service. He excels in ensuring clients’ technological needs are met and stays updated on cybersecurity practices to safeguard digital environments. Part-time, he works as a Farm Manager Assistant, blending his organizational skills with a love for gardening and sustainable living.

Alexander is also committed to serving his community. He is a board member for the Selective Service System of Rhode Island, contributing to important decisions, and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Cyber Auxiliary Civilian, supporting national cybersecurity efforts. His diverse background and commitment to continuous learning make him a valuable asset in all his endeavors.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I am a enthusiastic professional with a diverse background in IT and farming, driven by a passion for education and community development. My desire to serve on the Providence School Board, stems from my belief in the transformative power of education and the need for technological integration in schools. As an IT Support Specialist, I understand the importance of preparing students for the digital future. My experience as a farmer and organizer of farm tours highlights my commitment to hands-on learning and connecting students with real-world experiences. I aim to bring a unique blend of technical expertise, practical knowledge, and a community-oriented mindset to the school board, fostering an enriching and forward-thinking educational environment.

Name
Juan Angel Del Castillo

Current Occupation
Ambassador of Bolivia to the Canadian International Committee for the Rights of the Child. / Member of the National Honor Society (nomination for president in process) / Representative of Mount Pleasant High School on the Advisory Team of Superintendent Javier Montañez. / Member of the leadership team at the Providence Student Union./ Member of the Antiracist Education Coalition Rhode Island KidsCount

Community Leadership Positions
Ambassador of Bolivia to the Canadian International Committee for the Rights of the Child. / Member of the National Honor Society (nomination for president in process) / Representative of Mount Pleasant High School on the Advisory Team of Superintendent Javier Montañez. / Member of the leadership team at the Providence Student Union./ Member of the Antiracist Education Coalition Rhode Island KidsCount

Personal Biography
Political activist in the rights of children and adolescents with 7 years of international experience in Bolivia, the United States and Canada. She has great oratory and leadership skills. She has worked leading organizations and working with authorities at the local, state, national and international levels. She has led and promoted public educational policies aimed at children and adolescents and bills in relation to orphaned children, murders and rapes of minors.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
To be honest, to share students’ perspectives regarding public policies that seek to be implemented and will affect them within the educational field.

Name
Melody Francisco

Current Occupation
Social Worker II, DFS Department, DCYF

Community Leadership Positions
I currently am the fundraiser and treasurer chair of my church’s youth ministry and have been since 2022.

Personal Biography
n everything I do, I draw on my lived experience. As someone who attended Providence schools, this gave me a personal understanding of the system’s strengths and challenges. Though I didn’t graduate from the district, those years shaped my commitment to education. My time with City Year placed me directly in classrooms where I worked closely with students and teachers. I witnessed both their triumphs and their struggles for two years. Now, as a social worker for the state of RI, I see firsthand the daily barriers families face—whether social, emotional, or economic. These combined experiences have driven my passion for equity and prepared me to advocate for meaningful change. Education is the key for a bright feature. It is important to have the appropriate people fighting for the students of Providence and their education.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I attended Providence schools on and off throughout my life and I always say that i this generation of students are much stronger than back in my day. They face so many more challenges than I growing up. As a social worker for the state of RI I see every day the struggles our families in RI, especially Providence, face. They struggle with getting IEPs for their children. 504’s, appropriate school placements, bussing when needed. The countless meetings I have attended with the district present stating that there is nothing else they can do to help the families, all have caused me to want to serve on the Providence School Board. I want our families to feel represented and know that there are people who see and hear their struggles with the schools and school department. I want our families to know there is someone willing and trying to fix it. That they do not need to worry about their children while they are at the place they spend the majority of their time at.

 

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Name
Jenny Mercado

Current Occupation
Certified Nursing Assistant at Hasbro Children’s Hospital – 15 years

Community Leadership Positions
Leadership Rhode Island Upsilon II Class Graduate
Nuevas Voces – Project Director at Olneyville Resilient Hub

Personal Biography
Jenny, an immigrant from Nicaragua, moved to the U.S. at 15 and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. With over 14 years of experience in the health field, she works at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, supporting children and families. A mother of two Providence students, Jenny advocates for bilingual and newly arrived parents, helping them navigate Providence’s public school system. Through her community organizing efforts, she empowers families to advocate for their children’s education, demonstrating her dedication to improving education and fostering community engagement.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
As a newcomer student, I personally experienced an unwelcoming school system and witnessed inequities firsthand. These challenges motivate me to serve on the school board, where I can help create strong policies that ensure all students have access to quality education. I believe in amplifying parent voices and building structures that support local control, so communities can have a direct impact on their schools. By prioritizing equity and inclusion, we can create an environment where every student thrives, regardless of their background or circumstances. I am committed to making positive, lasting change for all families in our district.

Name
Steve Galloway

Current Occupation
Compliance Officer

Community Leadership Positions
Associate Pastor and community leader

Personal Biography
My name is Steve Galloway, and I have been married for 26 years to Cheryl Galloway. We have three sons, all who have successfully gone through the providence school system. I have worked as a Compliance Officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the past 25 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree in business from Liberty University. I have coached Youth Football and Basketball in Providence and also been a mentor and advocate for many of the city’s youth. I continue to be involved in my community in many ways, and this would be another.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I have been fortunate to have three sons who have successfully navigated their way through the Providence school system. It was not always pretty or easy, but they made it through with the help of my wife and I and some great teachers, administrators and mentors. I would like to assist in making this journey successful for other parents and students as well. I aim to be an advocate, resource and champion for the rights of others involved in the providence school system.

 

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Name
Night Jean Muhingabo

Current Occupation
Providence School Board Member
Direct Care Provider for Seniors with Disabilities at Perspectives Corporation Country Director for the USA at the Global Peace Chain

Community Leadership Positions
Board President of the Refugee Dream Center
Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee of the Providence School Board
Board Member of Providence External Review Authority (PERA): Civilian Oversight Board of the Providence Police Department
Young Champion and Refugee Advocate at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Personal Biography
I am a proud Providence resident and former refugee from Rwanda, where my family spent 15 years in the Loukolela refugee camp. This experience shaped my resilience and commitment to creating opportunities through education. Appointed to the Providence School Board in 2021, I became a voice for marginalized communities, leading efforts to expand mental health resources, establish wellness clubs, and ensure parents have a voice in their children’s education. Recognizing the linguistic diversity of our city, I championed dual-language programs to bridge cultural and academic gaps. As a trilingual poet and community organizer, I strive to ensure every child is supported.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I am applying for the Providence School Board because every child deserves a champion who will ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. During my time on the Board, I’ve fought for expanded mental health services and strengthened bilingual education programs. I’ve seen firsthand how bilingual education, like the dual-language program at Leviton, improves literacy, reduces absenteeism, and increases family engagement. I am committed to ensuring multilingual learners have the support they need to succeed. I will continue fighting for a district where every student is supported, prepared for a diverse world, and given the tools to thrive.

 

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Name
David Talan

Current Occupation
Retired computer systems analyst and chemical/nuclear engineer. Because I am retired (at least in terms of getting paid for what I do), I can devote an unlimited amount of time to serving on the School Board, and I am prepared to do so.

Community Leadership Positions
I was appointed by State Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green, to serve on the Engaged Communities Community Design Team, which worked to plan the State takeover of the Providence Public Schools. I serve on the Community Advisory Board for Alvarez High School, and work closely with the Principal, Nathan Biah. I served on the selection committee, that interviewed 21 candidates for Assistant Principal at the school. Elmwood Little League – past President and coach for 51 years – work with 500 children who attend our public schools. Reservoir Triangle Neighborhood Association – now President for 14th term – work with schools in our neighborhood (Reservoir Ave.; Alvarez). We have met with previous School Superintendents Chris Maher and Harrison Peters. Education Committee of citywide Coalition of Providence Neighborhood Associations (representing all 25 neighborhoods in the City). Was Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 17. Serve with Reservoir Ave. School’s School Improvement Team, at request of Principal Cynthia Torres. Organized the 100th year reunion celebration of the school this past June. Served on Sackett St. School Magnet Advisory Committee. Member of Classical High School Alumni Association. Served on Mayor Elorza’s Education Transition Team. Served 12 years on Providence Board of Park Commissioners. On Board of Temple Torat Yisrael, which includes oversight of 2nd largest Jewish religious school in the state. University of Rhode Island Hillel Foundation Board of Directors, which serves 1,600 Jewish students on campus. Community Relations Council of Jewish Alliance of R.I. Administrative Assistant to Rep. Ramon Perez, and work with 6 public schools in his District. Have been to every one of them, and met with Principal, between 3 and 10 times. We helped organize a training course at one school (Achievement First), to make teachers aware of what is in the surrounding neighborhood. I served on the selection committee, that interviewed candidates for Assistant Principal at Webster Ave. Elementary, at request of Principal Carolina Creel. On several of these Boards, I help oversee large budgets (although not as large as the School Department’s $400 million budget). Have to make decisions on how to use limited funds.

Personal Biography
I am a lifelong Providence resident.

I am a retired computer systems analyst and chemical/nuclear engineer, with experience in teaching and training.

I am a longtime volunteer community activist, with countless organizations working with school age youngsters. This includes Little League; Boy Scouts; a Neighborhood Association that adopted 2 schools; and Assistant to State Representative who serves 6 schools.

I have visited most Providence schools; and all 23 schools on the South Side this year. I am on multiple School Improvement Teams. And I served on state Education Commissioner’s team that planned the state takeover of our City’s schools.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
For decades, I have volunteered with countless groups that serve schools and school age children.

But volunteers can only do so much, other than complain about everything.

I want to be a School Board member, to actually make important improvements.

I have ideas to involve communities, neighborhoods & parents with our schools; and on how to reduce chronic absenteeism.

Specifically, allow children to walk to nearby schools, IF that is what parents want. Reduce, from 9,000 down to 4,500, the number of children on school buses; and save up to $10,000,000 a year.

Support Mayor’s ideas on reducing school spending, and city’s contribution.

In my own South Side district, bring a school to Washington Park (which now has no schools at all); and use Broad St. School, which the city abandoned.
And numerous other things, that don’t fit into 100 words.

Name
DeNeil Jones

Current Occupation
Loan Processor

Community Leadership Positions
Parent Leadership Committee Member at Excel Academy

Personal Biography
A dedicated banking professional with over 17 years in financial services. Graduated Cum Laude from Johnson & Wales University in 2009 with an associate and bachelor’s degree in financial service management, concentrating on HR and Real Estate. While studying full-time, I worked overnight as a Customer Service Representative and part-time Property Manager. My career includes five years as a Mortgage Processor and six years as a Loan Processor. As a parent of school-aged children, I have experience with Providence public, charter schools, and Parent Teacher Organizations. I’m passionate about advocating for quality education, fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and transparent communication.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I want to serve on the Providence School Board to advocate for parents and ensure effective resource allocation. Education has always been my passion. My personal experiences with my oldest child’s misaligned kindergarten curriculum and unchallenging lessons emphasized the need for personalized learning approaches. I am committed to transparent and accountable leadership, fostering open communication to keep our community informed. By championing sustainable changes with a focus on best practices, I aim to build a foundation for long-term success in our schools. Joining the school board will enable me to make meaningful improvements, ensuring a high-quality education for every student.

 

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Name
Christian Lachapelle-Miller

Current Occupation
Child Welfare/Govt. Administration

Community Leadership Positions
Providence JHB (2nd non-consecutive term) Vice Chair
Peoples Port Authority of Providence, Vice Chair

Personal Biography
I am 31 years old, born and raised in Providence, RI. I spent much of the earlier part of my childhood shifting in and out of foster care while also navigating the public school systems. In time, I learned of the importance and value of education and the impacts that early childhood trauma can have on both the brain and ones’ ability to thrive in a learning environment. For much of my adult life, I have made it my mission to advocate and raise awareness concerning matters of foster youth in higher education, social justice, and community affairs. Further, I have worked to help shape policy and effectuate systems change by applying my lived expertise with my professional understanding of the work. Today, I serve the State as Chief Implementation Aide to the Director of DCYF where I spend my time helping to reimagine system policy and the processes of which we deliver services to children, youth, and families.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I wish to serve on the Providence Public School Board because I share in the passion to see youth thrive in both their academic and personal lives. I see our youth struggle in much of the same way I have in addition to a system rising in an attempt to meet their needs. I have witnessed the positive impacts that public schools have on our youth and families while understanding there is still much work to be done on improving the current state of our school district.

 

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Name
Sydnee Manley

Current Occupation
Assistant Professor

Community Leadership Positions
Advisory Board Member of the Center for Women Enterprise

Personal Biography
I am passionate about creating a better, more inclusive educational experience for all Providence students. I have taught in higher education for over 15 years and prior to that spent 20 years in business, mainly corporate accounting. A proud public high school graduate, I am inspired by my mother, who taught in public schools for over 30 years. As a homeowner in my school district, I am deeply committed to making quality education accessible to all and fostering meaningful opportunities for every student. I am eager to help build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
I wish to serve on the Providence School Board because I believe in the importance of a well-educated population. Unfortunately, not all adults prioritize providing quality education for every student, and some may even work against it. I am committed to advocating for underserved students and ensuring that all learners have access to the educational opportunities they deserve. Serving my community in this way is a responsibility I take seriously, and I am eager to contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive education system.

 

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Name
Martha Moore

Current Occupation
Law Librarian

Community Leadership Positions
Church Sunday School Teacher

Personal Biography
I have dwelled in the city of Providence for more than 40 years. I am a dedicated Law Librarian with over 30 years of experience working alongside other law librarians at the Rhode Island Supreme Court Law Library providing legal research assistance to the judiciary, attorneys, and the public. We work with a collaborative approach to achieve the research needs of our patrons. I am skilled in cataloging, using legal databases, data analysis, Microsoft office and communication. Outside of work, I am a Sunday school teacher and I also assist with writing Black history and Christmas scripts for the children in my church.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
It will allow me to have a direct impact in the quality of education of the children in my community. I will be a voice for the students and their parents in the decision making about the curriculum and the overall direction of the Providence School district. I am also very aware of the political controversies regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as well as social-emotional learning (SEL) and how they can impact students’ well-being, I would be willing to address those concerns if necessary.

 

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Name
Steven Williamson

Current Occupation
Planning and Programming Specialist, RI Department of Health

Community Leadership Positions
Board of Directors, River to Recovery

Personal Biography
A 30 year resident of Providence, I have been active on the boards of local and area nonprofits and am an active member of my local community. I hold a PhD in Political Science and have taught courses in public policy at the college level. My PhD research was in Panama and I speak Spanish fluently. I have a solid knowledge of parliamentary procedure and experience in navigating contentious issues on governing boards. I currently work in public health in cancer prevention and have a strong interest in education and improving the quality of life for Providence residents.

Why do you wish to serve on the School Board?
The school system faces turbulent times, as the actions of the state have not remedied the existing problems and have failed to be completely transparent about their plans and actions. Meanwhile, the city has still not regained control of the school system, but members of the community are anxious for change. Ideally, I would like to see the Providence public schools become the best schools in the country but there are several important issues that need to be addressed immediately. I would like to help the School Committee navigate these challenges and establish a firm footing for future progress.