Officials break ground on new elementary school in Woonsocket

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — The Woonsocket Education Department held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new elementary school that will be built at Barry Field.

The field is a 90-year-old historic landmark in Woonsocket.

This project will consolidate three schools; Kevin K. Coleman, Globe Park, and Bernon Heights Elementary into one state-of-the-art facility.

“Woonsocket has done a very good job in terms of the athletic facilities, moving them closer to the high school for all the different outside activities,” said Governor Dan McKee.

“To put a brand new elementary school in place here Woonsocket, it fits in with our Learn365 plan, it fits in with the Commissioner and my objectives to be the very best academically by 2030,” he said.

The new school, which will serve students from Pre-K through 4th grade, has a budget of nearly $85 million, covered by the state’s share for the city.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Education, the project includes the construction of a new elementary school, renovations and repairs to support grade reconfiguration at existing elementary and middle schools, and district-wide security improvements.

The new elementary school is expected to complete construction on November 30, 2026.