Endorsed Candidates
-
Michele Fontes
NORTH DISTRICT (2)
Miche'le Fontes serves as Dean of Students at Sophia Academy, where she brings her passion for restorative justice and youth to the forefront of her work. She holds a Master's in Urban Teaching from Providence College and a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and Change from College Unbound. In addition to her administrative role, she coaches youth, further demonstrating her commitment to their development. Her children, Kam’Ryn and Kassidy, along with her mother, Cathleen, provide the solid foundation on which she stands, inspiring her dedication to fostering positive change and support for all students. -
Jenny Mercado
WEST DISTRICT (3)
Jenny is a dedicated advocate for educational improvement with over 14 years of experience in the health field. At Hasbro Children's Hospital, she cares for children and supports their families, reflecting her deep commitment to community engagement. As a mother of two, Jenny understands the importance of accessible education and actively works to help bilingual and newly arrived parents navigate the public school system in Providence. Through her community organizing efforts, she empowers families to advocate for their children's educational needs. -
Michael Nina
SOUTH DISTRICT (4)
Michael works for a local community development group and is currently an appointed member of the Providence School Board. With over 20 years of experience as a leader in his community, he has strong, deep ties to the area. Michael is a founding member of the Community Health Worker Association of Rhode Island and is an active leader in youth sports programs throughout the state. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Leadership Studies from Johnson & Wales University, reflecting his commitment to effective community engagement and development. -
DeNeil Jones
CENTRAL DISTRICT (5)
DeNeil is a proud Providence resident, a working mother of two school-aged daughters, and the child of Jamaican immigrants. She has more than 17 years of experience in banking and financial services, and holds a Bachelor’s in Financial Service Management from Johnson & Wales University. As a parent, DeNeil has navigated both Providence public and charter schools while actively participating in parent-teacher organizations. DeNeil wants to serve on the Providence School Board to advocate for parents and ensure that resources are allocated effectively to support all students.
VOTE for High-Quality Schools
On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Providence residents will vote to elect members of the School Board for the first time.
Our public schools face incredible challenges right now. We need to support our public schools and provide parents with a wide array of public school choices that can meet the needs of all students.
Stop the Wait RI is a parent-led organization that supports individualized attention, collaboration, and access to high-quality public schools for all students. This includes a robust network of charter schools that are free, public, and open to all.
Our children don’t have time to wait…