Providence to provide $20M worth of summer renovations to public school district

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) –  The City of Providence has pledged more than $20 million on upgrades and renovations over the summer to certain schools in the district.

The announcement comes after a scathing report on the Providence Public School District which identified all sorts of problems, including many structural deficiencies.

Select providence schools will undergo $20 million worth of improvements over the summer, after a 93-page report highlighted issues of bullying, poor learning conditions and deteriorating buildings.

“We’re not doing right by our kids, we can’t say that our schools are preparing them for the future,” said Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, “So something has to change.”

Classical and Hope High Schools will receive roof replacements, as will the Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex.

Other improvements include security upgrades, heating and A/C upgrades, fixing plumbing systems and updating boiler systems.

“All of that work – this is deferred maintenance that has been going on for decades upon decades upon decades,” said Elorza.

The projects are already underway and will be paid for by the “school capital plan” which was approved by the Department of Education.

Mayor Elorza said the school district needs about $2 billion worth of repairs in total.

“We didn’t get here overnight, we’re not going to get out of it overnight, but for the first time in a very long time, not only do we have a plan but we have money behind it,” said Elorza. “And that work will happen this summer and after that as well.”

The Department of Education has held public forums over the last few weeks for parents and students to voice their concerns.

The final forum will be held on Saturday at the Providence Career and Technical Academy.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019