Cranston school‑building update: Gladstone and Eden Park near completion; city expects 74% state reimbursement

The council heard an update on school facilities Dec. 15 from Marcus Stevenson, chair of the school buildings committee. Stevenson said three major projects are active: Gladstone (estimated completion April 2026), Eden Park (estimated July 2026) and the AES charter school (phase one, demolition and abatement complete and roof work starting soon).

Committee vice chairman Anthony (Villalobos/Malillo) answered detailed questions about state reimbursement. He said the city is coupling Gladstone and Eden Park under RIDE criteria to secure a 74% reimbursement rate for projects that meet eligibility rules and that RIDE staff (named Mario Carino in the record) provided assurances. The committee discussed how coupling projects and meeting specific criteria (student population, programmatic thresholds) supports the higher reimbursement.

Council members asked about the range cited on the referendum (not lower than 50%) and what drives the reimbursement rate. Officials said the reimbursement is based on multiple criteria and that coupling compliant projects under a single submission is the strategy to obtain the 74% rate. Councilman Ritz asked whether the 74% had already been received; staff advised the finance director could confirm timing and receipts.

The council did not take action on funding at the meeting; members were reminded that the school‑committee minutes and project documentation are public and that council representatives may follow up with the school committee or finance director for detailed budget questions.