Providence Superintendent Hires Counsel for Exit Talks
The school board is negotiating an exit agreement with Javier Montañez following a series of senior staff resignations.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Administration
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Providence School Superintendent Javier Montañez has hired a lawyer to negotiate an exit agreement with the school board. This move follows a series of resignations among top district leadership as the district navigates post-return local control.
Why it matters
The departure of a key executive during a transition period creates uncertainty for parents and staff regarding administrative continuity. This leadership shift occurs as the district stabilizes its operations following its return to local control in 2026.
Superintendent Javier Montañez, currently under a contract set to expire on June 30, 2027, has initiated legal negotiations for his departure. His tenure began as interim leader in June 2021 before he was named to the permanent role in April 2022.
The players
Javier Montañez
The current superintendent of Providence Public Schools who has served in the role since 2021.
Zack Scott
The former deputy superintendent of operations who resigned from the district in September 2026.
Paula Dillon
The former deputy superintendent of academics who resigned from the district in October 2026.
Lisa DiMartino
The former chief of staff who resigned from the district in October 2026.
The details
Superintendent Montañez has retained private counsel to facilitate formal discussions with the school board regarding an early exit from his leadership post. The district has seen significant turnover in its executive cabinet recently, including the departures of the deputy superintendents of operations and academics, as well as the chief of staff. The board has already adopted a new policy governing how it will recruit and select the next superintendent to ensure a formal process for finding new leadership.
Timeline
Javier Montañez was appointed interim superintendent in June 2021.
The superintendent was named to the permanent role in April 2022.
A three-year contract was signed by Montañez in July 2024.
Zack Scott resigned as deputy superintendent on September 25, 2026.
The current contract of Javier Montañez is set to expire on June 30, 2027.
The Home Front
This leadership change marks a significant shift following the return of Providence Public Schools to local control in mid-2026. The move follows a period of internal restructuring as the district attempts to stabilize administrative operations.
Families should monitor district communication channels for official announcements regarding board meetings and potential interim leadership appointments. Staying informed about these changes is important for understanding how district policy and school-level logistics may shift in the coming months.
The takeaway
Leadership turnover in a major school district often signals a broader change in strategic direction for students and staff. Parents can stay informed by checking the Providence Public Schools board meeting schedule for updates on upcoming leadership decisions.
Further reading
For more information on current district leadership, visit Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WPRI.
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