With the demolition of the Henry J. Winters Elementary in June of 2020, the state-of-the-art STEAM facility is expected to be completed before this coming school year. The new school, built on the 2.6-acre site of the old facility, will feature three levels and accommodate 643 students in grades pre-K through fifth. The new building designs include a student drop-off area that ensures optimal traffic flow, increased security measures, as well as energy efficient HVAC systems, with each class able to control temperature and airflow.
During the past three years, students and staff were moved to the Pawtucket Annex School. This project is yet another visible step of the city’s commitment to overhaul and upgrade all of our public schools to create enriching environments to learn.
We recognize the value of education and by opening this new building we know we are providing the best tools for our students to succeed in a competitive global economy. When this project is completed it will provide a conducive learning environment for the hundreds of students attending this school.
As a part of a larger plan for school renovations and after the completion of the renovations of both Potter Burns Elementary and Nathanael Greene Elementary, Winters will provide a brand new STEAM facility for students, teaching science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
This 93,964 s/f infrastructure project came about through the overwhelming support of the City Council, School Committee and School Department along with Pawtucket residents who approved several major bond referendum questions, including a $220 million bond of funding for school rehabilitation. In addition, all 17 of the Pawtucket public schools have received major health and safety upgrades last year.
The city has worked on this approximately $49 million project with Colliers Project Leaders as the owners project manager, Gilbane Building Company as the construction manager at risk, and the S/L/A/M Collaborative.
The city looks forward to continuing to upgrade the schools and provide every student with the opportunity to study in a healthy, safe, and updated learning environment. The anticipated date of completion for the Henry J. Winters Elementary School project is this summer.
Following Winters, Baldwin Elementary School will receive a full remodel similar to past renovations of both Potter-Burns Elementary School and Nathanael Greene Elementary School.
With such an emphasis placed on providing the best school facilities possible for our students, we will be asking the voters in Pawtucket to consider a bond for a state-of-the art combined high school campus including career and technical opportunities which will help our students be prepared for the workforce.
If you would like to learn more about Pawtucket’s current development projects and economic development incentives, contact Sandra Cano, commerce director, at [email protected]
Donald Grebien is the mayor of the city of Pawtucket, R.I.