News Summary
A special meeting will be held by City Councilman Juan Pichardo to address concerns over the demolition of Gilbert Stuart Middle School. Scheduled at Knight Memorial Library, the meeting aims to allow community members to voice their opinions on preserving the historically significant structure. Gilbert Stuart has been closed since June as part of Providence Public School District’s effort to address aging facilities. Advocates are calling for greater transparency and community involvement in decisions regarding local education facilities.
Providence – A special meeting will be held by City Councilman Juan Pichardo this Tuesday evening to address the planned demolition of Gilbert Stuart Middle School, which has raised significant concerns among community members. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Knight Memorial Library at 5:30 p.m.
Gilbert Stuart Middle School was announced for closure in 2022 along with Carl G. Lauro Elementary School and Feinstein Elementary School as part of a broader plan to address aging school facilities within the Providence Public School District (PPSD). The demolition of Gilbert Stuart is set to occur this month, with plans to replace it with a new dual language school catering to students from preschool through grade 8.
The meeting comes after a gathering of approximately 35 community members who discussed the future of the closed Gilbert Stuart Middle School. This school has been inactive since June, one of four that have closed in the district since the major reconstruction effort was initiated with a budget of $500 million to rebuild older school buildings. The rebuilding strategy emphasizes a “newer and fewer” approach to school construction, aiming to consolidate facilities into PreK-8 entities.
Pichardo’s meeting serves as a platform for community concerns regarding the demolition, particularly the historical significance of the school building and its potential renovation. Advocates at the earlier meeting highlighted their desire for expanded dual language learning programs while circulating forms in both English and Spanish for attendees to express their support for preserving and renovating the structure. A resolution advocating for preservation efforts is set to be presented to the school board on December 11.
Key organizers of the meeting include school board member Night Jean Muhingabo and community advocate Diego Arene-Morley, who have emphasized the importance of community involvement in decisions about local education facilities.
Concerns surrounding the school’s demolition stem from various structural issues reported, including a leaking roof, flooding in the basement, and the presence of asbestos. Despite its current condition, educators have noted that the building possesses valuable architectural features that could be preserved through renovation rather than demolition. In fact, Gilbert Stuart Middle School was listed on the Providence Preservation Society’s 2016 “Ten Most Endangered List,” underscoring its historical value.
Participants in the discussion have articulated their commitment to ensuring full bilingual education within the district, as current dual language instruction has been relocated to Roger Williams Middle School. The shift has raised concerns about adequate community input regarding the closures of schools, with local residents and teachers demanding greater transparency from the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) regarding its decision-making process.
Community criticism has centered on perceived communication shortcomings related to the condition of closed schools and the transparency of decisions made by RIDE. As of now, the agency has not provided any comments regarding the ongoing discussions about school closures.
As the meeting approaches, community members are encouraged to voice their perspectives as the future of Gilbert Stuart Middle School hangs in the balance, with many advocating for its preservation as a part of the local educational landscape.
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