State, City, and School Leaders Mark Groundbreaking of Woonsocket Elementary School Project

Published on Friday, December 06, 2024

WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, Mayor Christopher Beauchamp, Superintendent Dr. Patrick McGee, and School Committee Chair Paul Bourget joined state, city, and education leaders on Friday to mark the groundbreaking of Woonsocket’s new state-of-the-art George T. Nasuti Elementary School. The school, which will occupy half of Barry Field, will serve approximately 1,100 students from pre-k through 4th grade. The $80 million project, which will receive $72 million in State funding, represents a significant investment in the future of Woonsocket’s students, providing a welcoming learning environment equipped with modern technology and resources. The school is expected to open in 2027. 

“Woonsocket’s new elementary school represents a promise to Rhode Island children and their families that their future is our priority,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This project is about more than new school classrooms; it’s about creating opportunities, building a stronger foundation for academic success, and ensuring every student has access to the resources in and out of school to thrive. By investing in modern, innovative learning environments, we are shaping the future of Rhode Island’s communities, workforce, and economy.” 

The new school will include academic spaces, staff areas, a music room, a medical suite, a media center, a cafeteria and auditorium, a gymnasium, and more. Each space will incorporate the latest technology and sustainable design practices to promote collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.  

“This groundbreaking of Woonsocket’s new elementary school is more than just the start of new building – it's a step forward in our commitment to equity for all Rhode Island students,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Every child, regardless of their zip code, deserves access to modern, inspiring learning spaces that meet their needs and spark their potential. RIDE is proud to work alongside districts like Woonsocket and support transformational work statewide.” 

In May 2023, the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education approved a $100 million project plan to support several school construction projects in Woonsocket, including the elementary school project, renovations and repairs at existing elementary and middle schools, and district-wide security improvements. The new school will consolidate Bernon, Kevin K. Coleman, and Globe Park elementary schools, which were deemed candidates for replacement in the statewide Jacobs Report in 2017.  

“Today’s groundbreaking represents a significant milestone for Woonsocket, reaffirming our collective commitment to our children, families, and the future of our great city,” said Mayor Christopher Beauchamp. “This new elementary school will provide our youngest learners with a state-of-the-art environment where they can dream big and prepare for success throughout their educational journey. It is a bold investment in our future, reflecting our belief in every child and our dedication to creating opportunities that will inspire and uplift generations to come.” 

“One of the most rewarding aspects of being Superintendent is visiting our schools and seeing firsthand the unwavering dedication of our teachers and staff, and the enthusiasm and resilience of our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Patrick McGee. “This dedication and enthusiasm are at the heart of our vision for the elementary school. We want our kids to show up every day ready to learn and grow, and it’s our responsibility to create a learning environment that matches their determination and potential. This project represents a significant step forward in providing the opportunities and resources the students of Woonsocket deserve." 

The school will be named after the late George Nasuti, a longtime principal, teacher, athletic director, and baseball, football, and Special Olympics coach in Woonsocket. Nasuti, who passed away in 2014, was well-respected and known as a champion for his students, athletes, and the greater Woonsocket community.

“As we celebrate this groundbreaking and transform Barry Field into the home of our new elementary school, we are starting a new chapter—one that blends the rich history of our city with the promise of a bright future,” said School Committee Chair Paul Bourget. “On behalf of the School Committee, we are grateful for the collaboration and support from state and local leaders that have made this vision a reality, and we look forward to the positive impact this new school will have on our students and community.” 

The approvals come at a historic time in Rhode Island school construction. Since 2018, the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education 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. 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.  

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.  

 ###