#MiddletownRI has cleared the latest deadline for construction of a new middle-high school by submitting its Stage II application with the state as momentum continues to build behind the project.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
STAGE II APPLICATION SUBMITTED FOR NEW SCHOOL,
RELATED WORK
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (FEBRUARY 27, 2024) – Middletown has filed its Stage II application with the state Department of Education (RIDE) for a new middle-high school and related work.
The news is the latest step the community must complete to build the 200,000-square-foot school on open property just north of the existing Gaudet Middle School.
The close to 2,300-page Stage 2 document also included plans to transform the existing high school building into a grade 2-5 learning academy and the Forest Avenue School into a pre-kindergarten to grade 1 early childhood center.
The deadline to submit the Stage II application to the state for review was Feb. 15. To check out the complete Stage II application, visit https://mdl.town/StageII online.
Town officials said they were pleased with the progress made with the project to date, reiterating everything remained “on time and on budget.”
“Now that Stage II has been completed, we move fully into the design phase,” Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said. “This is a major milestone and I know it’s one we’re all very proud of satisfying. Everything is moving according to plan and on schedule as was promised to our voters.”
On Nov. 7, residents approved the $190 million proposal during a special election.
Since then, the School Building Committee has been working hard to hone every aspect of the project to make sure voters get the building and educational improvements promised.
That includes everything from requesting a 21st century curriculum to best prepare students for college, the military or the workforce after leaving Middletown High to the layout and design of every aspect of the building.
Previously, Derek Osterman, Colliers director of project management services, said as part of the Stage II review, RIDE will offer input on what’s acceptable about the plans so far and what needs work.
Osterman has said Middletown is expected to receive up to a 55 percent reimbursement from the state for the new school and related work, something his firm and others were working hard to solidify.
Colliers International is serving as the project leads, with HMFH architects and CIVIC educational planners providing expertise as well.
Groundbreaking is planned for the spring of 2025, with a ribbon cutting planned for the fall of 2027.
At the last session, local leaders — led by council President Paul M. Rodrigues — said they wanted the project to be about a lot more than just a new school building. Rather, they said they wanted the effort to catapult Middletown schools among the best in the state — and everywhere.
School building board members have regular discussions with Colliers International, HMFH and CIVIC to make sure the town gets the best schools possible at the fairest price. For more about the School Building Committee, visit https://mdl.town/BuildingCommittee online.
CIVIC has been tasked with leading an effort to rework the district’s curriculum with the staff and School Committee so it matches the needs of students prekindergarten through grade 12.
The aim is to offer a clear, concise curriculum that builds from grade to grade and produces well-rounded students. By consolidating schools and closing Aquidneck School — which is planned as a community center — project leaders have said existing resources will be used better and more money will go into each classroom while providing students the services they need.
“We’re not going to design a building we can’t afford…” Brown said. “We’re trying to build a school for our young people. We are working diligently to try to save taxpayer dollars.”
Document Link: https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/11585/NYCU-2