Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Approves $1 Billion in School Construction Projects

Published on Wednesday, December 20, 2023

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education on Tuesday evening voted to approve over $1 billion in new school construction projects across Rhode Island, marking the single largest school construction approval in Rhode Island K-12 history. The approval allows for the construction of seven new and like-new schools and other health, safety, and educational upgrades. The 48 projects will refine and enhance learning environments for almost 25,000 students around the state. 

“The Council’s approval of these school construction projects sets the tone for prioritizing students’ year-round learning, while ensuring they are in state-of-the-art facilities,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I commend their approval of these investments in Rhode Island students and future generations and look forward to seeing the positive impact of these new projects statewide.” 

In 2017, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) released a Schoolhouses report completed by Jacobs Engineering which estimated, at the time, the cost to improve school facilities statewide to be warm, safe, and dry would be more than $2.2 billion. This would be significantly more in 2023. In response to the assessment and the overwhelming need, RIDE’s School Building Authority (SBA), launched several incentives and innovative programs to support the construction of 21st-century learning spaces statewide.  

Among the approved projects are four new and like-new high schools in the Bristol-Warren, Pawtucket, Providence, and South Kingstown school districts. This represents more new high school projects than have been approved in the last 20 years. These projects will replace five high schools that are a combined age of 400 years. 

“School improvement and construction projects have created modern, innovative learning spaces across our state in the last few years, generating a sense of excitement and pride across our communities,” said Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio. “I am pleased that the Council’s latest vote will allow many other projects to move ahead and continue our momentum on this front. Ensuring our students and educators have the tools they need to thrive is so critical for Rhode Island’s future, and that begins with school buildings that meet the needs of the 21st century.” 

“Several years ago, I was proud to chair a Senate task force that helped lead the way on Rhode Island’s efforts to revitalize aging and ailing school buildings,” said Senate Majority Leader Ryan W. Pearson. “The Council’s vote marks a historic next step toward ensuring every student and teacher in our state has a safe, modern space to learn, grow, and teach – and they deserve nothing less. I am grateful the latest round of approvals includes important projects in Cumberland, Lincoln, and communities across our state.” 

“Safe, secure, and modern schools are essential, because education can change the course of young lives and open the doors to incredible opportunities," said Senator Sandra Cano, Chairwoman, Senate Committee on Education. "This latest historic investment in our school buildings, along with the projects already completed or underway across our communities, will set a strong foundation for Rhode Island’s educational future. I am especially grateful that a new unified high school for Pawtucket is included in this historic round of approvals, because this project will be truly transformational for our city.”

“When we invest in 21st century learning spaces, we invest directly in our children and educators,” said Chair of the Board of Education Michael Grey. “All children should be excited about learning in a modern school that meets their needs and enhances learning. The Council is pleased to support these projects that will have a positive impact in our school communities.” 

“The Council is proud to approve additional funding towards critical school improvement and construction projects in our state,” said Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso. “Students will be able to learn in welcoming environments that encourage creativity and collaboration in education, regardless of zip code.”  

“Upgrading school facilities to 21st-century environments demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring Rhode Island students have the best educational outcomes possible,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “I am grateful for the Council’s approval of these projects which will pave the way for innovation and help unlock student potential. When we invest in our children, we are investing in the future.”  

Tuesday’s vote follows the Council’s prior approvals of $255 million for 17 projects across four local education agencies (LEAs) in May 2023. This makes for a grand total of $1.3 billion for 104 projects across the state this calendar year. School construction projects in Rhode Island can be reimbursed partially by the state using funds from the 2018 and 2022 school construction bonds, school housing aid and/or SBA Capital Fund. The state’s share of these projects is determined by the community’s individual reimbursement rate which is set by the General Assembly.  

The Council voted to approve the following projects: 

  • Bristol-Warren: Five schools, 2,794 students 
    • New Mount Hope High School; renovations to improve security and support grade reconfiguration at elementary and middle schools 
  • Burrillville: Five schools, 900 students 
    • Health and safety repairs to various aspects of school buildings including HVAC, roof, gym floor and window replacements as well as ADA-compliant parking 
  • Coventry: Seven schools, 4,133 students 
    • Health and safety repairs and renovations at every school in the district 
  • Cumberland: Seven schools, 4,868 students 
    • New B.F. Norton Elementary School; health and safety repairs at middle and high school; playground replacements at three elementary schools; Phase II renovations at Ashton and Community elementary schools to complete transition to “like-new” facilities 
  • Jamestown: Two schools, 418 students 
    • Health and safety repairs and renovations at two elementary schools including upgrades to security and ventilation services 
  • Lincoln: Six schools, 2,538 students 
    • Renovations to four elementary schools to construct new gymnasiums and STEAM classroom along with upgrades to electrical service; 
  • Pawtucket: One school, 2,100 students 
    • New Unified High School 
  • Providence: Three schools, 2,928 students 
    • Construction of two new PK-8 facilities to consolidate four elementary and middle schools; major renovations and new construction at Mount Pleasant High School; in line with the state’s newer and fewer approach 
  • Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College: 1 school, 371 students 
    • Health and safety repairs and renovations along with educational enhancements throughout the building 
  • South Kingstown: Six schools, 2,348 students 
    • New South Kingstown High School; renovations to the Hazard Building and elementary and middle schools 
  • Tiverton: Five schools, 1,562 students 
    • Renovations and repairs at all schools in the district; security and safety improvements at all schools 

Total: 48 projects impacting 24,960 students