Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Approves $376+ Million for School Building Repairs, Improvements

Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Approves $376+ Million for School Building Repairs, Improvements

Published on Tuesday, January 06, 2026

27,000+ Students in 55 Schools Across the State Will Benefit

PROVIDENCE, RI - The Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education considered and approved $376,829,571 in funds to support 55 school facility projects in 7 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) during its January 5, 2026, public meeting. Of the total, nearly $193,969,418 will be the State's share with ratios ranging from 35% to almost 80% for LEAs like Providence. The investments will benefit more than 27,800 students across the state.

The Council approved the awards as recommended by Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green, as part of the Rhode Island Department of Education's (RIDE) Necessity of School Construction process, which is a multi-stage application that requires LEAs to conduct thorough facility assessments toward the creation of an efficient and prudent master plan.

District / LEA | Total Project Cost | State Share % | State Share $

East Providence | $6,020,304 | 47.7% | $2,871,685

Lincoln | $23,771,872 | 44.3% | $11,574,727

North Kingstown | $136,271,138 | 35% | $47,694,898

Providence | $87,414,816 | 79.7% | $69,669,608

RISE Prep | $51,410,489 | 35% | $15,423,147

Smithfield | $7,748,702 | 35% | $2,712,046

West Warwick | $64,192,250 | 68.3% | $43,843,307

Most large projects are supported by bonds and are comprehensive projects with major renovation and/or new construction components. Approved projects are eligible for State aid through one of three mechanisms: Housing Aid reimbursement, School Construction Bond pay-as-you-go funding, or SBA Capital Fund progress payments.

The approved projects encompass significant investments in educational infrastructure across multiple districts.

• East Providence, Lincoln, Providence, and Smithfield will undertake district-wide capital improvements focused on building systems, site enhancements, and envelope upgrades.
• North Kingstown will construct a new Wickford Middle School alongside district-wide improvements.
• RISE Prep will build a new high school to expand learning opportunities.
• West Warwick's projects include renovations and new construction at Maisie Quinn Elementary, the creation of an Alternative Learning Program, and additional district-wide upgrades.

Collectively, these initiatives aim to modernize facilities, improve safety, and support high-quality learning environments for thousands of students statewide.

Additionally, the Council considered and approved the allocation of $6,551,905 of the Fiscal Year 2026 Rhode Island School Building Authority Capital Fund to support another round of Facility Opportunity Initiative (FOI) grants which would benefit nearly 9,257 students.

To date, the FOI has provided over $40 million in upfront funding to create transformative spaces that enhance teaching and learning. This program prioritizes student-centered, high-impact visual enhancements, such as the development of 21st-century learning environments and spaces that serve both students and the broader community, including improved auditoriums. In its third year, FOI will focus on the five urban and urban-core LEAs with state housing aid reimbursement rates exceeding 65%, ensuring resources are directed where they can make the greatest impact.

FOI LEAs include:

• Central Falls - $2,497,246
• Woonsocket - $2,062,461
• Providence - $856,996
• Pawtucket - $815,000
• West Warwick - $320,202

The SBA Capital Fund, by law, is used to support public school improvements to ensure that funding has the greatest impact on achievement gaps in the State's priority areas, providing high-quality educational opportunities for all public students.

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What They Are Saying:

"Supporting education and our youth is a top priority for my administration, and I am pleased that the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education has cleared the way for millions of dollars in school facility investments," said Governor Dan McKee. "When students are excited about their learning spaces, have the right supports, and are deeply engaged, they are more likely to show up and thrive."

"Rhode Island students deserve modern, innovative spaces that foster learning, growth, and excellence," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "With the Council's approval of millions in funding for school construction upgrades and new projects across the state, we are taking a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to high-quality educational facilities. We look forward to partnering with local school communities as we continue transforming our school buildings into environments that inspire success."

"Modern learning spaces that truly support education are essential," said Rhode Island Education Board Chair Michael Grey. "Rhode Island is experiencing a school construction boom that is transforming classrooms and enhancing the learning experience. We will continue to invest in our kids."

"The Council on Elementary and Secondary Education understands that the quality of learning environments for our students and teachers matters, and we are taking action to make significant improvements statewide," said Education Council Chair Patti DiCenso. "With this latest round of school construction approvals, thousands of Rhode Island students will benefit from projects both large and small that promote excellence in learning."