The new iteration of the East Providence School Committee was sworn in on Thursday, Jan. 2 at East Providence High School, ushering in two new members who were also both immediately placed into leadership roles on the board.

Both the Ward 2 and Ward 3 seats were won by newcomers Antonio Desimas and David Luiz, who were voted in as vice-chair and chair respectively. Desimas replaced Max Brandle, and Luiz replaced Jenni Furtado, who was elected as the representative for District 64 in the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, new chairman David Luiz said that a big reason he was motivated to run for the seat was due to his son, who attends Riverside Middle School.

“I have a vested interest not just in his education and experience, but all of his peers and throughout the city. It’s something that was important to me,” he said. “He had a little bit of difficulty in the beginning and that was where I got more involved and realized this was something I could potentially do to make a difference.”

Asked what he heard while out on the campaign trail (he ran unopposed, but still garnered 3,910 votes), Luiz said that promoting better communication between the district and parents was a common theme.

“I think a lot of people just wanted more transparency,” he said. “They want to be able to know what’s going on and where their tax dollars are going. A lot of people were saying you’re the right guy to continue the progress that we’re making.”

Luiz, who has 15 years of management experience in various roles within the retail industry, said he was excited to see signs of great progress in the district, including the new high school, renovations to Martin Middle School, and rising academic and attendance rates.

“Our test scores are on the rise. Most of our schools, our attendance is really on the rise. We’ve been recognized by the state for our attendance and I think Mayor DaSilva has played a huge part in pushing that,” he said. “Let’s face it, that’s really important. We want children to come to school. If our attendance is on the rise, children are comfortable in our schools and they want to be there.”

And although Luiz admitted he was still getting accommodated to the new role, he said all signs pointed to positive momentum within the district and with his relationship with the district administration.

“I think we’re heading in the right direction and I think me coming aboard, my emphasis is to make sure we keep heading in that direction,” he said. “Let’s keep the momentum going. I think we’re on a great path. There’s obviously always work to be done, but I think we’re on a great path.”