PROVIDENCE – State and city education officials on Friday formerly cut the ribbon on the new Frank D. Spaziano Elementary School building as part of the state’s ongoing push to address K-12 school building infrastructure.
The $44 million demolition and building replacement project for Spaziano Elementary School was part of approximately $300 million invested in addressing deteriorating school buildings within the city. Other similar projects included $35 million in renovations to Classical High School and $21 million to renovate Hope High School.
Spaziano Elementary School is also one of three new schools the Providence Public School District opened this year under state intervention including the new Narducci Learning Center and William D’Abate Elementary School.
PPSD spokesperson Jay Wegimont said Friday in an email the new school has classrooms arranged in pairs to provide students opportunities for cross-collaboration in the dual language setting. There are also small group spaces distributed throughout the new school building to support breakout learning activities, as well as multiple outdoor spaces, he said.
The new Spaziano Elementary School also has a new gymnasium, auditorium, media center and cafeteria, as well as educational spaces needed for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, STEAM classes and special education facilities, Wegimont said.
James Bessette is the PBN special projects editor, and also covers the nonprofit and education sectors. You may reach him at Bessette@PBN.com. You may also follow him on Twitter at @James_Bessette.