School building committee reports site work underway; district schedules Oct. 4 groundbreaking for new high school

The School Building Committee reported that preparatory site work for the new high school is underway and that the project team plans a public groundbreaking ceremony for Saturday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m.

A building committee representative said the construction fence and scrim are in place at the site, tree and brush removal has begun, site-enabling work is in progress and permits have been obtained. The representative said Rhode Island Energy still must complete final electric hookups for three poles near the parent drop‑off, which the team expects will occur outside school hours.

The representative said some weekend parking areas used by the community may be impacted during demolition and construction and that the committee will coordinate communications about any long‑term changes. The team said site work (removal of topsoil and early foundation preparation) has started and that an official ceremonial groundbreaking will follow the initial site activity.

Committee members suggested visible community outreach and on-site displays to maintain community support and to provide updates for families and neighbors. The building committee representative said Gilbane (the construction manager) can coordinate traditional construction milestones such as a beam-signing and community invitations tied to the formal groundbreaking.

The committee asked the building team to provide signage and public information on the schedule and to ensure the groundbreaking and follow-up events are advertised to the wider community.