PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, Mayor Brett Smiley, Providence Public School District (PPSD) Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez, and other local leaders joined students, teachers, and families at Pleasant View Elementary School to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the newly renovated, state-of-the-art facility.

 

With the support of the state, Pleasant View Elementary is the fourth new or like new school building opened in past two academic years. The new building has the capacity to serve 418 students. The school meets a unique school population with 11 Pre-K classrooms and over 40% of the students identifying as differently-abled. The $18M project is part of the District’s long-term plan to ensure all Providence students can learn in modern, high-quality learning environments by 2030. The 21st century learning environment features a new cafetorium, indoor therapy play area, and library media center. The building renovations include HVAC upgrades, modernized security infrastructure, green construction, and state-of-the-art communication platform.

 

"Investing in our schools is a direct investment in the future of Providence. With the support of RIDE, PPSD is no longer using the band aid approach of the past - we are now delivering on our promise to create the modern school buildings our communities deserve,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “The newly renovated Pleasant View Elementary is our fourth new building under the intervention and is an example of how we are working to create world-class learning environments for all students. This new space will foster creativity, enhance collaboration, and promote academic achievement for years to come.”

 

"The renovations at Pleasant View Elementary School are part of our ongoing efforts to provide modern, state-of-the-art classrooms that meet the evolving needs of our diverse community," said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. "By modernizing our schools, we are helping to ensure that every child in Providence has access to the tools, technology and space they need to thrive and grow. Our goal is to ensure that all Providence students are learning in safe and sustainable buildings that allow for 21st-century learning and support their long-term success and allow them to reach their full potential."

 

“Every student deserves a learning environment where they feel inspired and supported to reach their full potential. The new Pleasant View Elementary School represents our commitment to providing high-quality facilities where our students can thrive and succeed," said PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. 

 

"This major renovation has transformed Pleasant View Elementary into a school where students and teachers feel excited to come and learn each day. Our new spaces are designed to spur creativity, strengthen collaboration, and promote a love of learning, and I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished together. It’s an honor to lead such an incredible school community, and I can’t wait to see our students continue to thrive in this amazing environment," said Pleasant View Principal Principal Tracey Learned.

 

"The transformation of Pleasant View Elementary is a testament to what can be achieved when we invest in our schools and our students. Our teachers are dedicated to providing the best education possible, and having a modern, supportive learning environment will help them continue to inspire and guide their students to success. This new space is more than just a building—it's a foundation for future achievement," said Providence Teachers Union President Maribeth Calabro.

 

The renovation of Pleasant View Elementary, which serves Pre-K through 5th-grade students, is part of PPSD’s ambitious plan to have every student learning 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. PPSD and RIDE are hard at work investing in upgrading school buildings, classrooms, and learning spaces across the district. The Pleasant View project is part of a $1 billion long-term facilities plan to upgrade Providence Public Schools over the next eight years. This November election, Providence residents have the opportunity to vote for up to $400 million in general obligation bonds for school facilities within Providence.

 

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.