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MontaĂąez Named Permanent School Superintendent in Providence The acting school superintendent in Providence, Javier MontaĂąez, has been named as the permanent superintendent. By Ian Donnis
Photo courtesy of Providence Public School Department
âDr. MontaĂąez has risen to the occasion as acting superintendent, and weâre grateful he has taken on this new role,â state Education Commissioner AngĂŠlica Infante-Green said in a statement. Infante-Green continued: âDr. MontaĂąez has provided the stability Providence needs and brings to the position a deep passion for serving the community. I have heard from educators, administrators, and - most importantly - students and families, all of whom have asked for Dr. MontaĂąez to continue leading the district.â
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ProvidenceOnline.com ⢠May 2022
MontaĂąez said heâs honored by his selection and committed to improving schools in the capital city. The 2019 state takeover in Providence three years ago ran into the headwinds of the pandemic, complicating efforts to improve the cityâs schools. A series of school superintendents have cycled through Rhode Islandâs capital city over the last quarter-century, as the state continues to wrestle with the goal of improving under-performing public schools in many communities.
After overcoming homelessness as a youth, MontaĂąez went on to attain two advanced degrees, a masterâs in education from Rhode Island College and a doctorate in educational leadership from Johnson & Wales University. He previously led a dual language program credited with improving studentsâ performance. MontaĂąez has worked in the district for 25 years and was named interim superintendent in the summer of 2021. Prior to the announcement by state officials, some community members criticized
