Raimondo visits Pell School, highlights education investment

Gov. Raimondo and Treasurer Magaziner tour the Pell School in Newport. Photo by Andrew Augustus WPRO News
Gov. Raimondo and Treasurer Magaziner tour the Pell School in Newport. Photo by Andrew Augustus WPRO News

By Andrew Augustus, Sam Wroblewski WPRO News 

Governor Gina Raimondo took a tour of the Claiborne Pell Elementary School in Newport to highlight her proposal to invest heavily in modernizing Rhode Island’s schools.

The Governor pointed to the state-of-the-art Pell School as the ideal for every classroom in the state.

“Every child in Rhode Island, no matter what zip code you’re born into, you ought to be able to go to a free public school that’s of high quality and has 21st century infrastructure,” said Raimondo.

Raimondo’s proposal calls for increased school construction appropriation of up to $90 million and $80 million annually thereafter. The Governor also wishes to establish a capital fund seeded with $20 million form proposed debt restructuring in order for local communities to have access to funding.

“Not only is it the right thing to do,” said Raimondo. “That’s what’s going to get employers to want to be in Rhode Island. Employers want to be near people who have skills for 21st century jobs and that starts in our schools.”

Treasurer Seth Magaziner, a former elementary school teacher, accompanied the Governor, saying Rhode Island’s school infrastructure leaves much to be desired.

“Too many kids are going to school in buildings that are falling apart, it’s not only bad for education it’s also a health and safety risk,” said Magaziner.

“We have to start funding school construction in this state at an appropriate level, and that’s why we’re here.”