This position is open exclusively to qualified internal PPSD candidates. External applicants will not be considered at this time.The
InterimSuperintendent of Schools serves as the chief school administrator and executive officer of the School Board, responsible for the overall administration, leadership, and supervision of the school system in accordance with School Board policies. The Superintendent leads district departments and personnel, implements Board decisions, provides educational leadership, and advances strategic priorities related to curriculum and instruction, long-range planning, innovation, school-community relations, and overall district performance. The Superintendent supports sound labor relations, and ensures that the School Board receives the information necessary to make informed policy and governance decisions.
This is an opportunity to provide executive leadership for the Providence Public School District (PPSD), guiding the district's educational vision, operational effectiveness, and commitment to student achievement. We are seeking a strategic, collaborative, and student-centered leader who can translate School Board policy into action, strengthen teaching and learning, build strong community partnerships, and advance educational outcomes for all students.
This role reports directly to the School Board.
**Contingent Upon Funding**
Legal Reference: R.I.Gen. Laws § 16-2-11
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:District Leadership & Administration Organize, administer, and supervise district departments and personnel to advance the student outcome Goals established by the School Board while adhering to its Guardrails, and to advance student outcomes for all students.
- Serve as the executive officer of the School Board and chief school administrator, implementing Board policies and developing and implementing administrative and operational rules and protocols.
- Execute School Board decisions concerning the internal operations of the school system.
- Develop and recommend new or amended policies to support the effective and efficient operation of the district.
- Provide executive leadership, establish clear priorities, and promote accountability across district departments.
- Ensure that all district decisions, policies, strategic initiatives, resource allocations, and operational practices are aligned with the School Board's adopted Goals and Guardrails.
Educational Leadership and Strategic Planning Provide educational leadership in curriculum, instruction, and the continuous improvement of teaching and learning.
- Lead long-range planning, innovation, and district-wide improvement efforts aligned with School Board priorities.
- Monitor and assess overall school system quality, using data and performance indicators to inform decisions and improve educational outcomes.
- Promote effective school-community relations and support collaboration among schools, families, and community partners.
- Provide leadership and strategic oversight for school construction and related district initiatives, as applicable.
Human Capital Management - Prioritize key areas across the talent lifecycle-recruitment, hiring, development, and retention-based on data and district needs.
- Oversee and take responsibility for implementing disciplinary decisions to led by the Talent Office.
- Coordinate major district processes-staffing, evaluation, and budgeting-in collaboration with cross-functional leaders.
- Sequence departmental initiatives to build strategic coherence and momentum year over year.
- Develop annual goals and objectives aligned with district priorities and performance targets.
- Lead planning, execution, and performance monitoring of talent-related initiatives to ensure timely and effective implementation.
- Collaborate with school and department leaders to assess talent gaps and implement responsive strategies.
- Lead collective bargaining strategy and serve as the district's primary liaison to labor partners.
Department Management - Build and manage a high-performing Talent Office that models excellence and accountability, and that can manage the hearing and adjudication of bargaining unit grievances at the initial steps in the process.
- Cultivate a strong customer service culture focused on supporting principals and school-based staff.
- Develop and support a cohesive leadership team within the Talent department.
School Board Relations and Governance Serve as the primary administrative partner to the School Board and its advisory committees, supporting effective governance and policy implementation.
- Prepare meeting agendas and provide timely, relevant data and information to support School Board and committee deliberations.
- Prepare an annual report and other periodic reports required by School Board policy and as required by law.
- Support informed decision-making by presenting recommendations, operational updates, and district performance information.
- Regularly monitor, evaluate, and report progress toward the School Board's Goals and Guardrails, providing transparent, data-informed updates that allow the Board to assess district performance and hold the Superintendent accountable for student outcomes.
Talent, Labor, and Organizational Leadership Lead and supervise district personnel and administrative functions to ensure effective and coordinated operations.
- Provide leadership in professional negotiations, balancing the welfare and educational needs of students with sound educational policy and effective labor relations.
- Foster productive working relationships with employee representatives and other relevant stakeholders.
- Make appointments of administrative personnel, as authorized, in accordance with law. Community and Intergovernmental Partnerships Organize and support meaningful participation by students, personnel, families, and community members in district decision-making, where appropriate.
- Maintain effective working relationships with local, state, and national agencies and relevant education partners.
- Represent the district in collaborative efforts that support educational improvement, effective operations, and student success.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS: Demonstrated executive leadership experience in education, school administration, or a comparable setting, who also:
- Holds a valid and active Rhode Island Superintendent of Schools Certificate, as required for the position.
- Possesses an advanced degree and meets all applicable Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) certification requirements.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of curriculum, instruction, educational policy, school system administration, and educational leadership.
- Has a proven record of leading complex organizations, supervising multiple departments, managing personnel, and overseeing organizational operations.
- Demonstrates the ability to develop and execute strategic plans, lead organizational change, establish priorities, and drive continuous improvement.
- Uses data-informed decision-making, performance monitoring, and educational quality assessment to improve district operations and student outcomes.
- Has experience working collaboratively with a governing board, interpreting and implementing policy, and translating district priorities into effective administrative action.
- Builds productive relationships with students, families, educators, community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrates knowledge of labor relations, professional negotiations, employee management, and organizational leadership.
- Brings strong financial, operational, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and allocate resources effectively.
- Communicates with excellence through written, verbal, interpersonal, and public presentation skills, leading with accountability, transparency, and integrity.
- Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to educational equity, student achievement, to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
- Successfully completes all required pre-employment screenings, including a background check.
SALARY:To be determined based on experience
YOUR NEXT STEPS:A cover letter detailing your interest in Providence Public Schools and how your professional experience has prepared you for this role is recommended, but not required. The priority deadline for submitting an application is 7 days from the posting date. After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit your application through PowerSchool.
WHO YOU'LL SERVE: The Providence Public School District (PPSD) serves approximately 19,800 students across 36 schools. The district employs about 3,150 professionals, including roughly 1,450 classroom teachers and a range of staff who provide direct support to students and families.
