Rhode Island Lawmakers Approve $20 Million School Repair Bond

House and Senate lawmakers approved up to $20 million in bonds to Providence for much-needed repairs to the city's schools. The funds will be used for repairs to six Providence schools. Providence voters also approved an additional $160 million in bonds during November's election.

"Providence schools are crumbling and many are in desperate need of repair. Our children deserve, at minimum, a safe, clean, healthy environment in which to learn," said Providence Senator Maryellen Goodwin. "The money in this bond is critical for some of the more urgent needs, but in reality, it is a small part of the investment necessary to bring our aging fleet of school buildings up to today’s standards."

The funds will be used to replace the roofs at Hope High School, Veazie Street Elementary School and Fortes Elementary School as well as fund a new boiler for Carl Lauro Elementary School and replace the fire alarm and sprinkler system at Spaziano Elementary School.

The Providence City Council approved the $20 million bond in February. It will be borrowed through the Providence Public Buildings Authority. Approximately 82 percent of the funding will be reimbursed by the state.

"While buildings, of course, are only part of the picture, they set the tone for learning. It sends a poor message to kids about the value of their education when we send them to a school that’s dingy and plagued by mold, where they dodge trash cans set out to catch leaks, where the heat doesn’t work properly," said Providence Representative Scott A. Slater. "Schoolchildren matter, their education matters, and it matters that they go to school in safe, modern buildings where the focus can be on learning."

The measure now heads to Governor Gina Raimondo's desk.