Providence educators and students urge board to reconsider elimination of assistant principal at PCTA

Two public commenters used their allotted time at the April 29 meeting to urge the board to reconsider a staff decision affecting PCTA.

Esmeralda, a junior who identified herself as a student at "P High School," described Assistant Principal Suzanne Dilva as "inspiring, supportive... hardworking, and caring" and urged trustees to "reconsider" any plan to remove her. “My senior year will be meaningless without thee, Miss,” Esmeralda said.

Suzanne Dilva then addressed the board directly. Identifying herself as an assistant principal at PCTA, Dilva said she came to Providence as part of a turnaround cohort, described her daily commitment to students and staff and pleaded for time to continue the work at the school. “I am the exact leader that Providence should continue to support,” Dilva said, asking trustees and the superintendent to reconsider eliminating her position.

Board members did not take immediate formal action during the public‑comment period; the remarks were part of the public record and were taken under advisement by the superintendent and board.

Why it matters: the comments reflect teacher and student concern about proposed or pending staffing changes at a high‑need school. Board members and staff may return to the personnel decision in later agenda items or budget discussions.