Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Dan McKee, alongside General Treasurer James Diossa and Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, joined local officials and community members at Lonsdale Elementary School in Lincoln, Rhode Island. The gathering marked the steel topping ceremony for the new facility under construction and celebrated ongoing educational facility improvements across the district.
Governor McKee highlighted Lincoln's role as a leader in school construction within the state. "Lincoln is serving as a leader in school construction in Rhode Island," he stated. He emphasized that renovations to various schools, including the high school and elementary schools, along with a new physical education complex, would create 21st-century learning environments. These updates are part of an effort to prepare students for modern workforce demands by prioritizing forward-thinking learning through STEAM initiatives.
Education Commissioner Infante-Green echoed these sentiments, stating that "modern, welcoming learning spaces are a hallmark of student success." She noted that Lincoln's focus on school construction aims to provide students with optimal educational outcomes while aligning with the Math Matters RI campaign to enhance STEAM education.
The renovation at Lonsdale Elementary School is part of a larger plan approved by the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education in 2023. This approval included nearly $1 billion for school construction projects statewide. General Treasurer Diossa commented on the significance of this milestone: "Today marks a huge milestone for the future of Lonsdale Elementary School."
Local representative Mary Ann Shallcross Smith praised the community's commitment to investing in its educational infrastructure. "The people of Lincoln should be proud," she said, highlighting new gymnasiums, STEM rooms, and renovated cafeterias as key improvements.
Board of Education Chair Michael Grey commended Lincoln's efforts: "Lincoln is paving the way for a thriving, modern education for all of their students." The upgrades aim to meet current RIDE standards and enhance facilities such as gymnasiums and cafeterias.
Patti DiCenso, Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education, acknowledged the significant investment made in student futures through these renovations. She congratulated Lincoln on its innovative work across multiple schools.
Lincoln Town Administrator Phil Gould expressed pride in partnering with RIDE and the school district to bring modern facilities to their community. Superintendent Dr. Lawrence Fillipelli shared his enthusiasm for adding STEAM learning spaces across four elementary schools.
In October 2023, ground was broken at Central Elementary School as part of this comprehensive capital plan. The initiative includes not only elementary school renovations but also upgrades to the high school and construction of additional facilities like a new physical education center.
This effort follows a 2017 report by RIDE which estimated over $2.2 billion was needed statewide to ensure school facilities were warm, safe, and dry. In response, RIDE’s School Building Authority launched programs to support constructing modern learning spaces throughout Rhode Island.
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