This is the text of the superintendent’s resignation letter, submitted to the Providence school district last night.

Providence Schools, Providence Public School District

Office of the Superintendent

797 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903-4045

Dear Mrs. McClure:

After considerable thought and deliberation, it is with much regret that I inform you of my decision to not pursue a new contractual agreement with the School Board. As such, I intend to remain in the district as Superintendent only through the end date of the current contract to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to student learning and the important work currently underway.

My decision to leave was not made lightly. I want you, as well as every employee, student and family in this district, to know that my experience in Providence has been both rewarding and challenging. I am honored to have worked with so many talented, dedicated professionals and am very proud of the steady progress we have made during my tenure. Some of the accomplishments that we have achieved together include: an increase in the number of schools making annual yearly progress; higher percentages of students performing at grade level; the implementation of proven intervention programs for struggling students; and national recognition of several Providence schools.

Despite these and many other accomplishments, I have decided for personal and professional reasons to pursue other opportunities. This decision does not diminish in any way the great work that we have done on behalf of the children of Providence. I encourage you to continue this work despite constrained resources and other challenges. It is important now more than ever that the adults in the Providence community come together and work in a unified manner to focus on our core business of teaching and learning.

I thank you for your support of my superintendency. When I accepted this charge, I knew that I faced significant obstacles. However, I believe that I have left the district in a stronger state than when I arrived. My most fond memory of my time spent here is the faces of the wonderful children of Providence. Their ability and will to succeed will forever inspire me.

Sincerely,

Donnie W. Evans