Javier Montañez Named Permanent Providence Superintendent

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Education will offer acting Providence school Superintendent Javier Montañez the permanent position, Gov. Dan McKee said Tuesday.

"I fully support keeping Dr. Montañez in place as the head of the Providence Public School Department," McKee said in a statement. "Like any other community, Providence needs leadership that understands its unique strengths and challenges. Having been a parent, grandparent, student, and educator in Providence schools, Javier knows exactly what our schools need and will work tirelessly to continue to move them forward."

Montañez has worked for Providence Public Schools for more than 25 years as a bilingual teacher, assistant principal and principal. He was first named interim superintendent in summer 2021 and was later named acting superintendent for the 2021-2022 school year.

He received a Masters of Education from Rhode Island College and a doctorate in educational leadership from Johnson & Wales University. Montañez’s new three-year contract will be retroactive to the 2021-2022 school year and last through the 2023-2024 school year.

"Dr. Montañez has risen to the occasion as Acting Superintendent, and we’re grateful he has taken on this new role,” said state Education Commissioner Infante-Green. "Dr. Montañez 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. Montañez to continue leading the district."