President, Providence School Board
Ty’Relle Stephens is the 23-year-old President of the Providence School Board, making history as the youngest individual to ever hold this position. Born and raised in the West End of Providence, Rhode Island, he is a proud product of the Providence Public School District.
As a student at Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex, Ty’Relle demonstrated early leadership, serving as Class President and Captain of the Varsity Football Team. His commitment to education and public service deepened after high school when he completed the Year Up Rhode Island program, now known as Year Up United, earning a certificate in Executive Leadership and Business Operations.
In February 2021, at just 19 years old, Ty’Relle made history as the youngest School Board member in Rhode Island’s history when he was appointed by former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza (Youngest Board Member). In 2022, following a change in the city charter that allowed School Board members to be either elected or appointed, he saw an opportunity to expand his service. With a clear vision for the district’s future, he ran for the Region 5 seat and won the election on November 5, 2024, with 75 percent of the vote, securing overwhelming support from the community. (Region 5 Election).
Beyond his work in education, Ty’Relle has built a career in healthcare and human resources, demonstrating strong leadership and a commitment to organizational efficiency. He began as a Patient Access Associate at Kent Hospital before advancing to managerial roles, including Patient Relations Manager at Oak Street Health and Recruitment & Enrollment Manager at Year Up United. He currently serves in the Human Resources Department at Ocean State Job Lot and as a Direct Support Coordinator at Perspectives Corporation.
Ty’Relle is pursuing a degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning at College Unbound, where he is a junior. His academic work aligns with his hands-on leadership, reinforcing his dedication to education, governance, and community engagement.
As School Board President, Ty’Relle is a strong advocate for transparency, accountability, and systemic reform in Providence schools. He is committed to strengthening communication, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, and ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education. His leadership is defined by his ability to build trust, drive meaningful change, and empower the next generation of students and leaders.
From student leader to the youngest School Board President in Providence’s history, Ty’Relle’s journey reflects his resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to public service. His work continues to push Providence’s educational system toward equity, innovation, and excellence.
Contact: PresidentStephensPVD@gmail.com
