Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Approves $1.3 Billion in School Construction Projects

Published on Wednesday, May 29, 2024

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education on Tuesday voted to approve more than $1.3 billion in new school construction projects across Rhode Island, allowing for educational enhancements, health and safety improvements, and the construction of 14 new and like-new schools in Barrington, Cranston, East Greenwich, Johnston, Middletown, and Providence. In total, the Council approved 59 projects across 11 local education agencies (LEAs) impacting more than 30,000 students. The approvals come at a historic time in Rhode Island school construction. Since 2018, the Council has approved $5.2 billion in hundreds of school construction projects, with 40% or $2 billion occurring in the four highest-need communities: Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket. In that same time period, Rhode Island has built or is currently building 50 new schools, which is the equivalent of California opening 1,300 new education facilities.  

“My administration is committed to enhancing school facilities and improving student outcomes,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I extend my gratitude with the Council for approving these projects and ensuring Rhode Island leads the way in transformative school construction.” 

“Significant investments in our educational infrastructure are critical in ensuring that every student in Rhode Island has access to a safe and modern learning environment,” said Chair of the Board of Education Michael Grey. “This funding will not only enhance the educational experience but will also benefit our communities by creating jobs and stimulating local economies. The Council is proud to move these projects forward.” 

The Council approved the following projects:  

  • Barrington: 4 schools, 2,526 students, $250,000,000: Like-new renovation and construction at high school and three elementary schools  
  • Chariho: 3 schools, 1,823 students, $7,592,515: Capital improvements at high school, middle school, and CharihoTECH 
  • Cranston: 14 schools, 6,855 students, $48,303,002: Districtwide capital improvements and renovations, new Early Childhood Center complex, property purchase  
  • East Greenwich: 6 schools, 2,521 students, $172,092,790: Two new/like-new elementary schools, additions and renovations at East Greenwich High School, capital improvements districtwide 
  • Foster: 1 school, 226 students, $2,298,089: Capital improvements at Captain Isaac Paine Elementary School 
  • Foster-Glocester: 2 schools, 1331 students, $7,776,295: Capital improvements at Ponaganset Middle and High School 
  • Johnston: 1 school, 761 students, $115,092,608: New high school  
  • Middletown: 4 schools, 1,961 students, $207,141,672: New middle school and high school, districtwide renovations 
  • Providence: 18 schools, 10,584 students, $466,396,998: New PK-8s, new PK-5, three addition/renovations to create PK-8s, renovations to 13 schools districtwide  
  • Scituate: 4 schools, 1,175 students, $6,056,924: Districtwide capital improvements  
  • Segue Institute for Learning: 2 schools, 358 students, $25,000,000: Building purchase and renovations at new middle and high school 

Total: 59 projects impacting 30,121 students , $1,307,750,893 

"The Council is proud to approve additional school construction projects that will further our mission of delivering an excellent education to all students, regardless of their zip code," said Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso. "We look forward to seeing the positive impact these school projects make not only on our students and educators, but Rhode Island communities.” 

“RIDE is proud to work alongside our state partners and school communities to raise the bar on what it means to truly provide dynamic and modern learning environments for our kids,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “For far too long, Band-aid fixes have hindered children’s education, creating environments where temporary solutions mask deeper, systemic issues. Now, as you drive around the state, you will see revitalization in nearly every school community."

This historic period of school construction has resulted in 28,000 jobs being created in Rhode Island, which accounts for more than $600 million in guaranteed opportunities for local women and minority-owned businesses through Governor McKee’s Minority-Owned Business Accelerator Program.  

School construction projects in Rhode Island can be reimbursed partially by the state using funds from the 2018 and 2022 school construction bonds, School Building Authority Capital Fund, and/or School Housing Aid. The state’s share of the projects is determined by the community’s individual reimbursement rate. In total, the state’s share of the $1.3 billion is $687 million, which is repaid over a 20-to-30-year period. 

Learn more about Rhode Island’s bold vision for school facilities in the School Building Authority’s Investing in Excellence and Renewing the Dream reports. 

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