Governor Gina M. Raimondo has nominated leading educator, policymaker and advocate Angélica Infante-Green as Rhode Island’s next Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Following the Governor’s announcement, education leaders across the country voiced their support for Infante-Green.
If confirmed by the Rhode Island Board of Education, she will be the state’s first Latina Commissioner of Education and first commissioner of color.
A first-generation American, Infante-Green has dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunity for children — from her work with English learners and students with disabilities in the classroom, to her proven record engaging the community around equity, and her leadership on statewide policies to strengthen instruction and graduation rates.
“Rhode Island has an urgent need to improve schools and close achievement gaps for our students, and I believe that Angélica can help push our state forward,” said Governor Raimondo. “Her passion for education and her commitment to equity as an educator, leader, Latina, and mother are unmatched, and I look forward to working with her to stay the course on a long-term, comprehensive education strategy that is focused on the needs of every student in Rhode Island.”
Infante-Green currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Instructional Support P-12. She is widely viewed as a national leader on educational equity and is known for spearheading regular community engagement opportunities.
“The challenge before us is significant, and across the state, Rhode Islanders are feeling a tremendous sense of urgency when it comes to improving education. I know that Angélica Infante-Green feels that sense of urgency, too, and I am eager to get her on board so that we can seize this moment, bring all stakeholders together and collectively improve outcomes for students and schools,” said Daniel P. McConaghy, Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education.
Infante-Green’s nomination is expected to be confirmed by the Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education and the Board of Education on Tuesday, March 26. Her first day as Commissioner is tentatively planned for April 29.
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