PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The application deadline for five seats on Providence's school board has passed, but one guarantee before members are picked by Mayor Brett Smiley is new leadership. Ahead of the deadline, School Board President Erlin Rogel and Vice President Travis Escobar both said they didn't reapply for a seat. "I have decided not to reapply for the Providence School Board," Escobar said. "Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my life." Rogel told 12 News his decision came "after much thought." "Serving as president has been a tremendous honor, and I am grateful to have worked alongside such dedicated public servants," Rogel added. "I wish the newly elected members and those seeking appointment great success." The board was all mayor-appointed until a charter change approved by voters in 2022 made half of the seats elected and split up by region. In last month's election, voters selected five members, which were Corey Jones in Region 1, Michelle Fontes in Region 2, Heidi Silverio in Region 3, Mireya Mendoza in Region 4 and Ty'Relle Stephens in Region 5. READ MORE: Here are the winners and losers from Election Day in RI Stephens, who was on the formerly all-appointed board, is seen as a possible contender for school board president. Stephens said he's "inclined to throw" his name in for the position, but is holding off on making a formal public statement until "we have a fully seated board." A biography of each applicant, and what region they reside in, can be seen on the city's website. Some current members who either didn't seek an elected seat or lost their race applied, which were Toni Akin, Anjel Newmann, Melissa Hughes and Night Jean Muhingabo. Hughes lives in Region 1, Akin and Newmann live in Region 2 and Muhingabo lives in Region 4. The charter change prevents Smiley from selecting more than one member from the same region. All the applicants now must participate in a public forum at Providence Career and Technical Academy next Wednesday in order to be considered. A spokesperson for Smiley said the finalists will then be interviewed between Dec. 30 and Jan. 6 before his selections get sent to the City Council for approval. Currently, the School Board doesn't have much power due to the state being in charge of the public schools, but all the new members will be in office when control is expected to come back to Providence sometime by 2027. NEXT: State votes to continue Providence schools takeover through 2027 Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW