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Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, Providence Elected Officials, Education Partners Cut the Ribbon on First Phase of Classical High School Renovations

City of Providence unveils swing space and moves forward with next phase of renovations

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined Providence City Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green, State Senator Tiara Mack (Dist. 6, Providence), State Representative Anastasia Williams (Dist. 9, Providence), Providence Public Schools Superintendent Javier Montañez, members of the Classical Alumni Association and community members to cut the ribbon on a $5 million renovation project for Classical High School. This first phase of the high school renovation project converted the former media center and locker rooms into classroom swing space to be used when the next phase of renovations begin later in the school year.

“As a graduate of Classical High School, I could not be more proud to unveil this newly-renovated classroom space to our families,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “I stand with partners today as we move forward with transforming our school buildings and delivering the schools that will prepare our kids for the 21st century. I look forward to continuing to make significant improvements here at Classical High School in the next phase of the project.”

Over the next two years, Classical High School will continue to undergo phased interior renovations of classrooms, the nurses’ station, media labs and administrative offices. A request for proposal (RFP) for a general contractor for the next phase of the project was released by the Board of Contract and Supply on August 29.

“Youth across Providence deserve and learn best in student-centered, state-of-the-art facilities. The transformation of Classical High School will provide that space and is further proof of Rhode Island’s unwavering commitment to our kids,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “I am thrilled to watch these once-in-a-lifetime investments take shape in Providence Public Schools and look forward to watching students learn, grow and thrive as they prepare for their next chapter.”

The City of Providence’s $5 million phase one renovation project was outlined in coordination with the Providence Public School District (PPSD) and Rhode Island Department of Education’s (RIDE) School Building Authority.

“Projects like this show that it’s a new era in Providence Public Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “We have renovations and construction happening all across our district to bring buildings into the 21st century after decades of neglect. I am so excited for what this project will mean for our students here at Classical.”

The Classical High School project is part of the City’s coordinated Capital Infrastructure Investments. Progress and project updates on Providence’s infrastructure projects are documented on the City’s Infrastructure Project Dashboard, which can be found at providenceri.gov/infrastructure.