PROVIDENCE – Thirteen school projects in four cities and towns totaling $331.9 million were approved Tuesday by the R.I. Council on Elementary and Secondary Education.
Among the notable projects are a new high school and a new pre-kindergarten-through-eighth-grade dual-language school to be built in Central Falls. The schools are part of six projects, including renovations at other schools, to be completed in the city for $170 million.
East Providence will undertake new construction and major renovations at Martin Middle School, Waddington Elementary School and Orlo Avenue Elementary School for a combined $107.9 million.
In Westerly, $50 million will be spent to build a new elementary school on the site of the existing Spring Street School, renovate Springbrook and Dunn’s Corner elementary schools and construct an addition at Dunn’s Corner Elementary School.
Glocester will be repairing roofs, security systems, fire alarms, emergency lighting, library improvements and well-being rooms in all its schools for $4 million.
The state will cover $235.7 million of the approved projects, which will impact 5,335 students.
State education officials said Tuesday’s vote follows the council’s approval back in May of $550 million allocated to 26 school projects in nine school districts.
“Today’s approval by the Council sends a clear message to our students, educators and families that Rhode Island listens and is fully committed to rebuilding our education system from the ground up,” R.I. Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said in a statement. “Together, we have embarked on a journey that will greatly benefit generations of students, educators, families, and communities across Rhode Island.”
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.
