Ty'Relle Stephens officially announces for Providence School Board, Region 5
"We can create an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive, where every teacher feels valued, and where every administrator feels supported."
In 2021, Ty'Relle Stephens was appointed to the Providence School Board - during the state takeover and administration of the schools. Since then, Stephens has been a vocal critic of the policies implemented by the Rhode Island Department of Education. The coming election in Providence will be historic because, for the first time, Providence voters will choose five of the ten School Board seats. Under the new hybrid model, these five elected members will be joined by five people appointed by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley. [Interestingly, the Mayor will make his choices for the School Board known after the election results are known.]
At a Monday night event, Ty’Relle Stephens addressed a crowded room of supporters and announced his candidacy for the Central District School Board Seat (District 5), made up of City Council Wards 11, 12, and 13. In attendance and support of Stephens were a large number of local politicians, including Senators Tiara Mack and Sam Bell, City Council President Rachel Miller, Representative John Lombardi, City Councilmembers Miguel Sanchez, Mary Kay Harris, and John Goncalves, and former Representatives Marcia Ranglin-Vassal and Anastasia Williams.
Here’s the video and text of Ty’Relle Stephens’ address:
“Thank you all for being here tonight as we launch our campaign for the Providence School Board. It is an honor to stand before you, surrounded by so many passionate and dedicated individuals who share a common vision: to make our schools the best they can be for our children, our teachers, and our community.
“Education is the foundation of our society. It shapes the minds and futures of our young people and, by extension, the future of our community. This is why I am running for the Providence School Board. I believe in the power of education and am committed to ensuring that every child in Providence Public Schools has access to the highest quality education.
“But first, let me share my story.
“I am a proud product of Providence Public Schools. My journey began with my mom walking me to school in the rain on my first day of kindergarten. I attended Roger Williams Middle School, West Broadway Elementary School, and Lima and Charles Fortes Elementary School. Growing up, I had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and faced numerous challenges. I fell behind in elementary and Middle School, where I struggled academically.
“Despite these setbacks, I persevered. At 19, I became the youngest school board member in the history of Rhode Island, demonstrating my commitment to making a difference in our education system.
“My journey continued at Juanita Sanchez High School, where I had the honor of serving as the captain of the Varsity Football team and being voted class president. My experiences in the Providence Public Schools system have shaped who I am today. Many people wonder why I am so passionate and outspoken.
“It’s because I am not far removed from the education system in Providence, and I have seen firsthand the needs of our children. This firsthand experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges our students face and the determination to fight for their success.
“Our campaign is built on a powerful message: #FightingToSaveOurSchools. This means taking risks and working day in and day out on these critical issues facing our district:
“7 things I will focus on,
Stopping School Closures: Our community is begging to save our neighborhood schools, I have and will continue to advocate for keeping these schools open, recognizing their importance not just as educational institutions but as community hubs. We need to develop creative solutions to keep our schools operating and thriving.
Addressing the Teacher Shortage: Our teachers are the backbone of our education system, yet they are often underpaid and overworked. To address the teacher shortage, we must raise wages and improve working conditions. We have teachers resigning left and right, leaving classrooms filled with long-term substitutes. I will fight for competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain the best educators for our students.
Improving Academic Excellence: Our children deserve a world-class education that prepares them for the future. I will advocate for rigorous academic standards, innovative teaching methods, and ongoing professional development for our teachers. We must equip our students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Ensuring Equity and Inclusion: Every student, regardless of their background, race, sex, or religion, should feel valued and supported in our schools. I will work to close achievement gaps and ensure that all students have equal access to resources and opportunities. This includes promoting diversity in our curriculum, hiring practices, and creating a school environment where every child feels welcomed, safe, and respected.
Enhancing Community Engagement: Schools thrive when they are closely connected to the community. I will foster partnerships with local businesses, youth organizations, and families to enrich our educational programs and provide real-world learning experiences for our students. Together, we can create a supportive network that benefits everyone.
Promoting Fiscal Responsibility: Responsible management of our district’s finances is crucial. I will ensure that our budget is transparent and that funds are allocated effectively to maximize educational outcomes. We must be good stewards of taxpayer money, investing wisely in programs and initiatives that directly benefit our students.
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism: Our students cannot succeed if they are not in school. I will work to identify the root causes of absenteeism and implement strategies to ensure our students are present and engaged.
“Throughout my tenure, I have always kept my promises, and I will continue to do so. To achieve these goals, I will work tirelessly to build coalitions and engage with all stakeholders. I will continue listening to your concerns, advocating for your needs, and ensuring that our schools reflect the values and aspirations of our community.
“This campaign is about more than just winning an election. It is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of our children and the future of our community. But I cannot do it alone. I need your support, your ideas, and your voices.
“Together, we can build a brighter future for our schools. We can create an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive, where every teacher feels valued, and where every administrator feels supported. Our community is united in the pursuit of educational excellence.
“We have an uphill battle ahead of us, but I believe in the resilience and strength of our community. We can overcome these challenges if we stand together, united by our shared commitment to our children’s futures. Let’s be the change we wish to see. Let’s fight for the schools our children deserve. Let’s make Providence a shining example of educational excellence.
“I leave you all with this: There are other folks – who are not running in the school board race themselves, but pushing candidates into the race for their agenda, whether it's political groups or charter schools that are running these candidates. But I tell you this evening, the community is running Ty’Relle Stephens.
“Thank you, and may God bless you!”
See also:
I mostly agree, but addressing absenteeism means addressing the ills of capitalism so no half ahearted effort is going to work. You have to END poverty to end absenteeism.