Rep. Sanchez introduces bill to reverse decision to close 3 Providence schools

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island state Rep. Enrique Sanchez introduced a bill Friday that would reverse the decision to close three Providence schools.

“Our neighborhood schools are a huge part of our community and this decision to close them impacts all of us,” said Sanchez, a Democrat who represents District 9 in Providence.

Sanchez said the Department of Education shouldn’t be making “major decision like this without the input from parents and teachers.”

“They should keep the schools open at least another year and engage the community in a process to determine the best path forward,” added the representative.

This legislation will also prohibit the Department of Education from closing any Providence schools without giving a one year’s notice or a chance for community input.

Last year, the Department of Education said three schools: Carl G. Lauro Elementary School, Alan Shawn Feinstein Elementary School, and Gilbert Stuart Middle School were closing as part of a $500 million to plan to rebuild the city’s schools.

Just this week, Sen. Tiara Mack and Rep. José Batista “demanded” that the public be included in decisions on projects in Providence, including the closure of Alan Shawn Feinstein Elementary School.

“Critics say the decision was rushed, not transparent, and not communicated well,” Sanchez said Friday.