The transformation of Lauro Elementary School into a dynamic learning environment
The Providence City Council is poised to approve a significant lease proposal for the abandoned Carl G. Lauro Elementary School. The plan involves a 35-year lease agreement with Excel Academy, a leading public charter school, aimed at revitalizing the building and improving educational opportunities in the community. With an investment of approximately $80 million, the partnership addresses both fiscal challenges and the need for quality education, promoting collaboration between charter and district schools to benefit local students.
Providence – The Providence City Council is set to make a significant decision regarding the future of the former Carl G. Lauro Elementary School, which has been abandoned for two years, becoming a financial drawback for the city. A proposed 35-year lease with Excel Academy, a high-performing public charter school, promises to revitalize the vacant building while enhancing educational opportunities in the community.
Excel Academy aims to lease the Lauro facility and will invest millions in renovation efforts to transform the decaying structure into a vibrant learning environment. If the lease is approved, the school will share the building with Asa Messer Elementary School for the first four years, during which Asa Messer will occupy half of the building until a new facility is constructed.
The plan to partner with Excel Academy to take over the Lauro space is not only intended to breathe new life into the facility but also aims to reduce the city’s expenses and encourage cooperation between charter schools and district schools. This collaboration is expected to benefit all students in the area.
The investment tied to this agreement is substantial, with estimates projecting combined investment in the region of $80 million. This figure accounts for Excel Academy’s rental payments, capital improvements, ongoing facility costs, beautification projects, and additional philanthropic support.
In terms of academic performance, Excel Academy has emerged as one of Rhode Island’s top schools, ranking in the top 10 for student growth in both math and English language arts. Notably, 95% of its student body is comprised of students of color, underscoring the critical role the school plays in offering quality education to diverse neighborhoods.
Further support is being channeled into this initiative through financing from the Rhode Island Education Collective, led by Victor F. Capellan, which has pledged $1.25 million to foster collaboration between Excel Academy and the Providence Public School District (PPSD). This funding is expected to facilitate partnerships that may bridge gaps between educational frameworks.
As the conversation around education reform intensifies, the shared-use agreement for the Lauro building promotes a vision of partnership rather than competition among district and charter schools. The overarching goal is to improve the quality of education available to all students, reflecting a necessary shift towards collaborative educational strategies.
This lease initiative is particularly timely as the city grapples with ongoing fiscal challenges. The proposal to lease the Lauro property represents a promising opportunity to meet educational demands while implementing cost-effective measures that may alleviate some of the financial pressure on taxpayers.
Capellan emphasizes the importance of collective action among city leaders to prioritize the educational needs of students across all school types, advocating for access to high-quality education for every child. The potential renovations and partnership reflect a significant commitment to addressing challenges within the local education system.
The Providence City Council’s forthcoming decision marks a critical juncture in both the future of a historic school building and the educational landscape of the Federal Hill community. Whether approved, this collaborative initiative could pave the way for improved educational outcomes while breathing new life into a vital community resource.
Proposal to Transform Carl G. Lauro Elementary into Charter School
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