EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — As part of our Back to School coverage, 12 News is conducting a series of in-depth discussions with administrators, health officials and other experts.

These interviews will air exclusively on the free WPRI 12+ TV app each day at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.

In the video above, 12 News reporter Alexandra Leslie sits down with Providence Public Schools' acting Superintendent Dr. Paula Dillon and Deputy Superintendent of Operations Zack Scott to find out what's being done to address teacher vacancies and chronic absenteeism in the district, plus what they're excited about heading into the new school year.

Stay with 12 News for more Back to School stories and special reports all this week and next.

Full Coverage: Back to School 2025 »

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