Executive Office, City of Providence, Rhode Island
DAVID N. CICILLINE
MAYOR

Date: January 20th, 2010
For Immediate Release

PRESS RELEASE

MAYOR CICILLINE, SUPERINTENDENT BRADY ANNOUNCE
THE REOPENING OF NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL

PROVIDENCE - Mayor David N. Cicilline and Providence Schools Superintendent Thomas M. Brady announced today a preliminary recommendation to the School Board for the reopening of the West Broadway Elementary School on Bainbridge Avenue. The
recommendation, along with others related to school facilities, will be included in the presentation of his Draft Recommendations for the Updated Master Facilities Plan that Superintendent Brady will present to the City Council this evening.

The recommendations are based on a comprehensive study conducted by educational facilities consultant Fanning-Howey encompassing months of data analysis, physical assessments and community feedback, includes recommendations to renovate or re-configure, modernize, close or continue routine and preventative maintenance at each of the city's school buildings.

"I spoke with Senator Paul Jabour and Representative Steven Costantino on several occasions, and we heard the concerns of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association and other members of the community who treasure their neighborhood school," said Mayor Cicilline. "Evaluating our school facilities is an ongoing process meant to ensure that we're meeting the
needs of our school children.

"There are many factors under consideration in this process, but I believe in neighborhood schools and the community made a passionate case for reopening the West Broadway Elementary School. I'm certain that this is right for our students, the district and right for this neighborhood," the Mayor added"

"I believe that this process was a very comprehensive one," said Superintendent Brady. "But our work is not done yet - we remain committed to hearing what our parents and community have to say throughout this decision-making process, and I look forward to the next round of discussions."

A third round of community forums will be held between January 28 and February 6 (full schedule available on the school district's Web site at www.providenceschools.org). Parents and community members will once again be invited to attend and provide feedback regarding the preliminary recommendations.

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