May 24, 2021
(Providence, RI) -- Two summers ago, the state of Rhode Island took over Providence Public Schools in reaction to a scathing report on the district. Now, the superintendent that was chosen to lead the turnaround effort has been let go. Harrison Peters resigned last week after admitting he hired a school administrator despite knowing about his history of quote-unquote "toe-popping" students as a form of corporal punishment in Florida years ago. Olayinka Alege is now facing charges for allegedly giving an underage boy an unwanted foot massage at a fitness center in Warwick. Rhode Island political leaders are dismayed that not only was Peters not fired, but he also was given a sizable severance payment. State Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green says she remains committed to the Providence turnaround effort and says a lot of progress has been made.