An open letter from PVD School Board member Ty’Relle Stephens

"Their overwhelming concern is ... for the harm that losing after-school and recreation programs will inflict on Black and Brown students across Providence..."

Dear Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green and Superintendent Dr. Javier Montanez,

Over the last day, I have been in continuous contact with City staff, especially those in our Parks and Recreation Department. Their overwhelming concern is not for their own jobs, but for the harm that losing after-school and recreation programs will inflict on Black and Brown students across Providence. Without these programs, many working families will face the difficult reality of having limited, safe, and structured environments for their children after school and on weekends.

Dr. Montanez, you said on the news yesterday that you’re fighting for the students, but what about fighting for the families? What about fighting for those families that may have to pay higher taxes and face rising rents? These families may now have to come up with additional funds for alternatives for their children to attend after school or, worse, be left with children on the streets. As someone who grew up in this community, you understand the invaluable role that recreation and summer programming play in our youth’s lives. These programs are more than just activities—they provide stability, mentorship, and a safe place for our children when school hours end. For many working parents, knowing that their children are in a safe, supervised environment, like a recreational center, gives them peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their jobs and provide for their families. Without these options, families will face an impossible choice, and many young people will be left with nowhere safe to go.

Commissioner Infante-Green, I urge you to consider the severe consequences of failing to support these programs. I don’t expect you to fully understand where I’m coming from—you didn’t grow up here, and you’ve never had the experience of stepping into our recreational centers or holding a summer job in Providence. You haven’t witnessed the pride on a low-income kid’s face when they earn their first summer job paycheck and are able to help their family with bills, buy food, or save up for school clothes at the end of the summer. I know what that feels like because I was that young Black man, at 14, 15, and 16, who had a summer job in Providence. I experienced firsthand the value of that paycheck and the stability it provided. These programs are a lifeline for youth like I once was. You don’t live in Providence or experience the burden of rising taxes, but I’m asking that you please have some empathy for those who do.

I know that you don’t care much for me, and to be honest, I don’t mind. This is bigger than any personal feelings or proving a point. We know you hold a great deal of power according to The Crowley Act, and I am fully aware that you’re asserting it. But this should not be about flexing authority or showing Mayor Brett Smiley and the Providence City Council that you’re the one in control. This isn’t about demonstrating your position as an “alpha” with unchecked power. If anyone understands that power dynamic, I do. But this situation is too serious, Commissioner and these are real lives at stake.

If this reallocation of resources goes forward, not only will families bear the cost through higher taxes, but our children will lose safe, positive spaces. Research consistently shows that when young people, especially Black and Brown youth, lack access to structured after-school programs, they face a higher risk of engaging in risky behaviors. A 2014 study by the Afterschool Alliance found that students in after-school programs were 30% less likely to become involved in criminal activities and 70% more likely to graduate high school compared to those without such access. I would much prefer to see reductions in central office staff and cuts to contracts and vendors for PPSD [Providence Public School District] rather than see after-school programming slashed, and Black and Brown youth left on the streets.

As a current and newly elected School Board Member, I am fully committed to ensuring that our community’s concerns are heard. All I am asking is that you meet the City halfway and work cooperatively with us to protect these essential programs. Yes, schools should be properly funded by the City, I stand with you on that issue, but due to the lack of care from Mayors and City Councils in the past, we’re here. This isn’t about asserting authority—it’s about doing what is right for our families, students, and the future of our community.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope we can come to a resolution that supports the families and students of Providence by Friday, November 15th, ensuring that we’re putting the well-being and safety of our community first.

Sincerely,

Ty’Relle Stephens; Providence School Board Member; Providence School Board Member-Elect

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See also:

• Providence students march on City Hall to demand full funding

• Providence facing court judgment that "could potentially devastate our City and residents," said Mayor Smiley

• Community organizations call on the City of Providence to fully fund public schools,