PROVIDENCE, RI – The Providence Public School District (PPSD) celebrated an exciting milestone today as State, City, and District leaders gathered in South Providence for the groundbreaking of the new Mary Fogarty Pre-K-8 Campus. The groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant step in PPSD’s commitment to providing every student with modern, high-quality learning environments as part of the District’s historic $1 billion school facilities improvement plan.  

 

The new Fogarty facility will include cutting-edge STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) learning environments that promote critical thinking and equip students with 21st-century skills. It will also feature new art rooms that foster student creativity and wellness; teacher planning spaces; and open media centers for flexible use. With the support of the State, PPSD has opened four new and like new schools in the last two years and will break ground on a new Harry Kizirian Pre-K-8 School and new Frank D. Spaziano Middle School this fall.  

 

"Our historic investments in improving school buildings across Providence are more than just brick and mortar; they are setting a strong foundation for the future success of students and the capital city,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Every child deserves access to state-of-the-art learning spaces, and the new Fogarty campus and other upcoming projects are steps forward in our promise to elevate opportunities for all students under Providence’s Turnaround Action Plan. The State is proud to partner with local leaders to transform facilities and enhance the teaching and learning experience in Providence." 

 

"The groundbreaking at Mary Fogarty further underscores our commitment to providing every child and teacher in Providence with a modern, safe and inspiring place to learn and grow,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “Through this investment we are building a state-of-the-art facility with dedicated spaces for art, music, STEAM and physical education. Our goal is to have every student in a 21st-century school by 2030 and today’s milestone moves us closer to building the education our community deserves.”

 

“Today is a reality thanks to the dedication of our teachers, families, community leaders, and advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life,” said Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11). “With this groundbreaking at Fogarty, we’re one step closer to realizing our promise to provide students in our public schools, regardless of their zip code, with the resources, facilities, and support to reach their greatest potential.” 

 

“Today’s groundbreaking at Fogarty is a testament to what we can achieve through community investment and collaboration,” said PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez.  “We are grateful to our partners and leaders who support the transformation happening in our school buildings. Our students deserve facilities that empower them to dream big and succeed, and the new Fogarty campus will be a cornerstone of that vision." 

 

The Fogarty PreK-8 campus is part of PPSD’s ambitious plan to ensure every student can learn in a new or “like-new" school by 2030. With enhanced classrooms, technology integration, and flexible learning spaces, the school is set to prepare students for success in an ever-changing world. The new building will offer modern equipment and furnishings tailored to students’ needs featuring open media centers, shared learning commons, separate learning areas for age groups, as well as dedicated, revitalized spaces to support students with disabilities and provide specialized instruction and developmentally appropriate learning. 

 

By investing in these new, innovative spaces, PPSD, RIDE, and the City of Providence are setting a new standard for education in Rhode Island, with the goal of raising the percentage of Providence students learning in high-quality facilities from 5% to 100% by 2030. As part of this plan, tomorrow, Providence voters will consider local Question 6 for a $400 million bond that will support additional school renovations.  

 

Providence Public Schools is committed to providing a world-class education for all students, preparing them for success in college, career, and life.  The District is dedicated to equity and excellence, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

 

For more information about Providence Public Schools, visit www.providenceschools.org. Follow Providence Public Schools on Facebook, X (@pvdschools), or Instagram (@pvdschools) for timely updates. 

  

###