CENTRAL FALLS, RI—Mayor Maria Rivera formally swore in the new Central Falls School Board on Tuesday evening, marking a historic milestone for the city and a major step forward in the community-led effort to return Central Falls schools to local control after more than three decades of state oversight.
The swearing-in ceremony was followed by the board’s first official meeting, during which members elected their slate of officers: Dorian Rave as Chair, Carla Hernandez as Vice Chair, and Thomas Evans as Secretary.
The newly seated board reflects a new hybrid governance model approved by Central Falls voters in 2025, based on recommendations from a broad community advisory board made up of parents, educators, students, alumni, and community leaders. The model blends elected and appointed members to ensure both accountability and strong representation from those most closely connected to Central Falls schools. Members were elected and appointed in fall 2025.
“This moment represents a turning point for Central Falls,” said Mayor Maria Rivera. “After decades, our families, educators, and community members are stepping into leadership roles to help guide our schools forward. This took lots of collaboration, trust building, and hard work, and I’m incredibly proud of our community and our new school board for reaching this milestone together that puts our students and families first.”
The new Central Falls School Board brings together members with deep Central Falls roots and a wide range of professional and lived experience. Many members grew up in the city, attended local schools, raised children in the district, or have served as educators, public servants, and community leaders. Several are parents of current or former Central Falls students.
“Being selected to serve on the Central Falls School Board is both a profound honor and a responsibility I accept with great pride. My commitment is grounded in the deep love and respect I hold for the City of Central Falls and its residents, whose voices have clearly called for a School Board that reflects and represents the community it serves,” said School Board Chair Dorian Rave. “Guided by trust placed in me, I will work collaboratively with families, educators, and city leaders to ensure every student is provided with the resources and opportunities needed to reach their full potential.
The board also includes a student representative, Crystal Marie De Jesus Lara, a senior at Central Falls High School. Because she has not yet reached the age of 18, De Jesus Lara is currently serving as an appointed member prospectively and will be formally sworn in and granted voting authority in two months when she turns 18. Once sworn in, De Jesus Lara will be among a select few students nationwide to serve as a full voting member of an official school board.
In preparation for their roles, board members are undergoing a robust training and orientation process focused on governance, ethics, public finance, and educational oversight. This training model is being recognized as a best-practice framework for school boards across Rhode Island, reinforcing the dedication and professionalism with which Central Falls is approaching this transition.
As they begin their work, the new School Board will focus on:
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Listening to the community, including holding meetings and listening sessions with families, students, educators, and residents
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Engaging youth voices directly in discussions about the future of Central Falls schools
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Working closely with the current Board of Trustees on a thoughtful and responsible transition plan
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Building strong systems of transparency, communication, and accountability
This milestone comes as the General Assembly Special Joint Legislative Commission continues its formal review of the return of Central Falls schools to local control by July 1, 2026, a process Mayor Rivera and city leadership have been deeply engaged in advancing and supporting.
“This board is the result of our community leadership and collaboration,” said Mayor Rivera. “It reflects our belief that the people closest to our schools––our families, students, and educators––must have a real voice in shaping their future.”
Central Falls School Board Members
Dorian Rave (Chair)
A proud Colombian-American Central Falls Schools Alumnae, former Central Falls Police Captain, U.S. Air Force veteran, and lifelong public servant, Dorian Rave is dedicated to ensuring students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Carla Hernandez (Vice Chair)
A lifelong Central Falls resident and local small business owner, Carla Hernandez is proud to serve at a historic moment when the community is reclaiming a role in shaping its schools.
Thomas Evans (Secretary)
A husband, father of three, community organizer, CFSD alumnae, and current member of the Board of Trustees, Thomas Evans is a new CFSD parent. He is the founder of Central Falls Youth Baseball and United Athletics Family Center and serves as a Rhode Island police officer. He is pursuing a master’s degree in Administration of Justice with a concentration in Community Leadership.
Erika Vallejo
A 25-year Central Falls resident, former ESL student in CFSD, and parent of two former district students, Erika Vallejo brings firsthand experience and financial expertise from her work with the Central Falls School District’s finance team. She is committed to educational equity, transparency, and responsible stewardship of resources.
Zuhanna Medina
A Central Falls resident since 1999 and mother of four, Zuhanna Medina has worked for 15 years at Progreso Latino in adult education and has long been active in parent committees. She is a strong advocate for family engagement and educational opportunity.
Crystal Marie De Jesus Lara(Student Member, Prospectively)
A senior at Central Falls High School, Crystal De Jesus is committed to elevating youth voice in decisions that shape students’ education and future. She will be formally sworn in and become a voting member upon turning 18 in March 2026. Once sworn in, De Jesus will be among a select few students nationwide to serve as a full voting member of an official school board.
Lizsandra Paneto Gullon
A 30-year Central Falls resident and mother of four, Lizsandra Paneto Gullon joined the School Board to serve as a strong voice for families and help create new opportunities for children across the city.
Jordana Ruggeri
A former Central Falls High School educator of 15 years, Jordana Ruggeri brings deep classroom experience and a commitment to elevating student and teacher voices, instructional quality, and family partnership.
