Rhode Island State House, Providence – On the bustling third floor of the Rhode Island State House, amidst a serious testimony, a lighthearted interruption came in the form of an iPhone’s “Summit” ringtone. Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green silenced her device with a chuckle, attributing the interruption to her mother’s call. It was March 13, an evening that marked Infante-Green’s return to the Senate Committee on Education after a prolonged absence due to the pandemic. Her appearance, notable given its rarity, coincided with a significant moment for education policy in the state.
The focus of Infante-Green’s testimony revolved around the state’s curriculum and the basic education program, pivotal elements governing public schooling. Meanwhile, on the lower floors of the State House, the House Committee on Education was abuzz with discussions on Bill H7726, spearheaded by Rep. David Morales, a Providence Democrat. Morales’ proposed legislation aimed to streamline the procedures for closing public schools, a matter of acute relevance to his constituents. Given that several public schools in the capital have fallen under state control since 2019, with some facing closures, the bill resonated deeply with the local community.
One such school facing an uncertain future is 360 High School. In early February, students were informed of the impending closure, with plans to merge it with the Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex. While Morales expressed willingness to collaborate with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) on his bill, he noted the absence of key stakeholders, including Infante-Green, at the hearing, a sentiment shared by some attending the session.
Students advocating for Morales’ bill made a silent presence at the Senate Committee on Education meeting, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The broader community was poised to address the closure at a Providence City Council meeting scheduled for March 20, only to face a last-minute rescheduling to March 28 due to logistical challenges.
In a surprising turn, the Providence Public School Board passed a resolution on March 20 calling for the reversal of 360 High School’s closure, citing concerns over transparency and community engagement. However, conflicting narratives emerged regarding the fate of the school. According to Jay Wegimont, a spokesperson for Providence Public School District (PPSD), the institution isn’t closing per se; rather, it is undergoing restructuring to form the Juanita Sanchez Life Sciences Institute (JSLSI) in collaboration with Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex.
Wegimont emphasized 360 High School’s chronic underperformance, echoing sentiments echoed by RIDE spokesperson Victor Morente, who reiterated the commissioner’s commitment to providing high-quality education opportunities. However, concerns lingered over the lack of clarity regarding decision-making processes, with stakeholders questioning whether it was RIDE or PPSD driving the closure decision.
Amidst these uncertainties, teachers and students grapple with an uncertain future. Ryan Barker, a social studies teacher at 360 High School, expressed disappointment over the potential loss of a community-driven educational environment. While efforts are underway to assist displaced teachers and students, the emotional toll remains palpable.
Calls for transparency reverberate across the education landscape, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for inclusive decision-making processes. Jeremy Aaron Sencer, an organizer with the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, stressed the importance of community involvement in shaping educational policies.
As the fate of 360 High School hangs in the balance, the community awaits answers, underscoring the need for transparency and collaboration in shaping the future of education in Rhode Island.
