School committee backs resolution to support up to $15 million in local bonds for district projects

The Central Falls School Building Committee voted to support an act authorizing the City of Central Falls to issue up to $15,000,000 in bonds or notes to finance construction, renovation and equipment for city schools.

Matt (role not specified) told the committee the district and city already have a larger $144,000,000 financing package for a new high school and a new elementary school, but cost overruns and stormwater work left a gap the $15,000,000 local bond would close. He said adding that amount to the overall financing would allow the district to build a PK–8 program on the old high-school site rather than limiting the site to PK–5, which he described as important for continuity for dual-language students.

Rory (role not specified) moved the motion to support the authorization; Sarah (role not specified) seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote, with no opposition recorded in the meeting transcript. The committee chair said a similar motion will be presented to the Board of Trustees at its March meeting.

Why it matters: Committee members said the change would help maintain continuity for students in the district’s dual-language program and provide flexibility in how the district uses the existing high-school site. The support the committee gave is a local step intended to show unified backing before seeking the final approval referenced as required from the general assembly.

Next steps: Committee members will place a parallel resolution before the Board of Trustees in March; the measure still requires legislative authorization as described by staff.