Education in Central Falls: A New Chapter Toward Local Control
Central Falls is entering a historic new chapter in the future of its public schools.
After more than three decades under state control, the City of Central Falls has taken major, community-driven steps toward restoring local leadership, accountability, and voice in our school system. This work reflects years of collaboration among families, educators, students, city leadership, and community partners—guided by a shared belief that those closest to our schools must help shape their future.
Where We Are Now
On January 13, 2026, Mayor Maria Rivera formally swore in the new Central Falls School Board, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transition toward local control. The newly seated board is the result of a new governance model approved by Central Falls voters in 2025, following extensive community engagement and recommendations from a diverse Community Advisory Board made up of parents, educators, alumni, students, and community leaders. The model reflects the voices of residents who called for both democratic accountability and strong representation from those with lived experience in Central Falls and its schools.
Following the swearing‑in, the School Board held its first official meeting and elected its inaugural slate of officers. The board now begins its work as Central Falls continues through the formal state review process required for the return to local control.
A Community‑Led Governance Model
The Central Falls School Board is a hybrid board, blending elected and appointed members to ensure broad community representation. Board members bring deep roots in Central Falls and a wide range of professional and lived experience, including:
- Graduates of Central Falls schools
- Parents of current and former Central Falls students
- Former educators and school staff
- Student representative, ensuring youth perspectives are part of district decision‑making
- Public servants, community leaders, and small business owners
This structure was designed intentionally to ensure decisions are informed by those who know the community best. The current student member is serving prospectively and will be formally sworn in with voting authority upon reaching eligibility. Once sworn in, she will be among a small number of students nationwide to serve as a full voting member of an official school board.
Leadership and Focus
In preparation for their roles, board members are undergoing a robust training and orientation process focused on governance, ethics, public finance, and educational oversight. This training model is being recognized as a best-practice framework for school boards across Rhode Island, reinforcing the dedication and professionalism with which Central Falls is approaching this transition.
As the board begins its work, priorities include:
- Listening to the community, including holding meetings and listening sessions with families, students, educators, and residents
- Engaging youth voices directly in discussions about the future of Central Falls schools
- Working closely with the current Board of Trustees on a thoughtful and responsible transition plan
- Building strong systems of transparency, communication, and accountability
Community members are encouraged to engage with the School Board, attend meetings, and share feedback as this work moves forward.
The Path to Local Control
The swearing in of the city’s new School Board comes as the General Assembly Special Joint Legislative Commission continues its formal review of the return of Central Falls schools to local control by July 1, 2026, a process Mayor Rivera and city leadership have been deeply engaged in advancing and supporting.
Looking Ahead
This moment represents more than a change in governance, it reflects Central Falls’ long‑term commitment to strengthening its schools through collaboration, accountability, and community leadership. As this process continues, updates will be shared on this page.
Questions or interest in engaging with the School Board? Contact: schoolboard [at] city.centralfallsri.gov (schoolboard[at]city[dot]centralfallsri[dot]gov)
Additional Office of Education Strategy Questions? Contact Dr. Sarah Friedman, Chief of Education Strategy for the City of Central Falls, at 401-454-9109 or sfriedman [at] city.centralfallsri.gov (sfriedman[at]city[dot]centralfallsri[dot]gov).
