Joel Monteiro Bids Farewell.  Served 10 Years on School Board.

Joel Monteiro served 5 two-year terms on the East Providence School Committee, from 2012-2022, including 4 years (the first two and last two) as board chairman.  He also served as co-chair with outgoing Ward 3 City Councilman Nate Cahoon, on the successful public building committee for the $189 million new East Providence High School. The Reporter asked Monteiro for some final thoughts on his 10 years in politics.  In his own words:  

“In 2012, I was like many residents of our community.  I hated politics.  I despised the way that politicians would act and vote in a manner that suited them or their friends, often unwilling to make the difficult and unpopular decisions.  In fact, it is my opinion that this was the very reason that our schools and city were in such a low financial situation and being controlled by the State Budget Commission.  We were losing middle school sports, something so minor in comparison to the overall budget.  This made me wonder what other resources my children would miss out on.  This was motivation enough for me to jump in.  My professional experience in long-term business planning and other business responsibilities, I felt, would directly apply to the responsibilities of the EP School Committee.” 

“Flash forward ten years.  I still hate politics.  However, I have learned that while we have those politically active residents in our city that fit that image most of us dislike, there are also those that are skilled and capable that work hard to make a positive change, even when it requires making the unpopular decision.  For these individuals, I am grateful.  I am most grateful for the support that my wife and children provided to allow me to dive deep into this responsibility.  Because of them, and the residents that have consistently supported me over the years, I feel that my time on the EP School Committee was overall successful.  Working with people like them, we have turned this school system around.  We are investing more in our employees at all positions, we are investing in student resources, and we are investing in our school buildings at a level not seen in decades.  All of these are major factors in the quality of education that our children have the opportunity to receive.  Despite the saboteurs in our community that seek relevance through negativity, the good people in our community, of which there are many more, continue to band together for the greater good.  In my ten years, I have seen both sides of our city.  And while it saddens me to now know the ugly that lurks in the shadows, I am pleasantly surprised to learn of the larger community of giving people, many of whom I'm fortunate to now call my friends.  They will be the drivers of our continued progress.”

“My hope for our schools is that we see more positive involvement from all segments of our community.  Representation is critical.  Our students need to know that they are supported by adults who can relate to them, making decisions that will positively impact them.  Our children need to know that we care about each and every one of them and embrace all of their differences.  This is accomplished by having responsible adults stepping up, not to just point out flaws, but also to work on solutions.  There will always be an opportunity to do better, so the person that simply points out the error is taking the easy route.  Get involved.  Find the people working on ideas and solutions.  At a minimum, know your local candidates.  Demand that they prove to you that they possess the skills and the understanding that directly correlate to the job.  Our children cannot vote.  They rely on us to send them the most qualified person to help them.  They don't need the popular person.  They need the person that will make the right decision, even when it's the tough decision.”

“I'm grateful for the support of my family, first and foremost.  They allowed me to give our city the time and attention required to have any positive impact.  I'm also grateful for the many residents who I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with.  We have amazing families in our city.”

“I will remain active on the East Providence Building Committee as we embark on the voter-approved Martin Middle School and Waddington Elementary School projects. 

We've come a long way.  Thank you to each and every fellow Townie that worked with me unselfishly and with sincerity.  It has been an honor, and I take with me several friendships that I appreciate.  Optimistically, I say farewell...”  -  Joel Monteiro