Local
State ruling clears way for Providence board to consider replacing its chair
Providence school board members met behind closed doors Wednesday to discuss removing President Ty’Relle Stephens after the state education commissioner ruled he could not block a vote. At least six members have backed removing him, while the city has appealed the state decision.
The Providence School Board considered whether to remove President Ty’Relle Stephens on Wednesday, after Rhode Island’s education commissioner ruled that Stephens could not prevent his colleagues from putting the question to a vote.
The board went into a closed-door discussion about Stephens’ leadership. At least six members have pushed for his removal, accusing him of neglecting duties in the role. The information available Wednesday night did not specify the outcome of the discussion.
Stephens, who became president last year at age 23, had argued that he was entitled to serve the full one-year term and initially declined to place the removal question on the agenda. Vice President Anjel Newmann filed a complaint with the state over that decision.
Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green ruled Sunday that Stephens violated state law by blocking the vote. The state’s position is that board presidents serve at the pleasure of their fellow members and can be removed before their terms end. The city has appealed the ruling.
The dispute follows weeks of internal conflict and a tumultuous board meeting last month. It comes only months after Providence schools returned to local control, as parents, educators and students voice concerns about the district’s direction.
Stephens has defended his leadership, saying the board should focus on students rather than internal conflict. The board’s decision could shape its leadership as it faces questions about the future of the city’s public schools.