Voters in the Rhode Island community of Middletown have apparently approved a $190 million school bond Nov. 7 to build two new facilities for grades 6-12 on the Gaudet Middle School property, Newport Buzz reported.
The unofficial results show the referendum passing by a mere 120 votes, or 51.5 percent to 48.5 percent, amid strong turnout at the polls, with only a couple dozen mail ballots yet to be counted as of early Nov. 8, according to town officials.
With the funds, Middletown will construct two facilities with separate and distinct entrances creating a new combined middle-high school.
When the project is complete in time for the fall 2027 semester, the schools will:
- Serve approximately 1,100 students.
- Feature about 200,000 sq. ft. of educational space, including flexible classrooms.
- Allow room for future expansion.
- Be constructed to meet today's modern learning environments as well as those of the next 50 years.
In addition, Newport Buzz noted that the single-phase construction of Middletown's new middle and high schools will not displace or interrupt any current classroom learning at Gaudet School.
Town officials expect work to begin on the twin schools in the spring of 2025.
With Bond Now Passed, Real Work Can Begin
Acknowledging the expensive project was a big ask for the community, local leaders said that they appreciated the backing of voters and the apparent win.
To a person, Middletown officials stressed that the real work was just beginning, and the project would be "on time and on budget," a frequent mantra of Town Council President Paul M. Rodrigues.
"We stand here today with immense gratitude in our hearts, humbled by the unwavering support and belief that our community has placed in the middle-high school bond," Rodrigues and council Vice President Thomas Welch said in a joint statement. "The approval of this bond is a testament to the shared vision and commitment to the betterment of Middletown as a whole.
"This bond is about more than just improving a school building; it is about lifting up our entire community. It is a declaration that we value our students' future, the education they receive, and the role our schools play in shaping their lives. It is a promise to provide them with modern, safe, and efficient learning environments that will empower them to excel."
Members of the town's School Committee and School Building Committee — the volunteer groups that will continue to oversee every aspect of the project — agreed with those comments.
"The success of this bond initiative reflects the tireless efforts of many individuals, from members of the School Building Committee to concerned parents, dedicated teachers, and engaged citizens," noted School Committee Chairperson Theresa Spengler and Vice Chairperson Tami Holden. "It is a victory that belongs to all of us, and it exemplifies the strength of our collective resolve."
"We understand the responsibility that comes with this vote of confidence," added Ed Brady and Charlie Roberts, co-chairs of the town's School Building Committee. "Rest assured that we are committed to delivering on the promises of modern, safe, and innovative school facilities. The planning and execution of this project will be conducted with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and a focus on meeting the needs of our students and community.
Design Work on Middletown's New Schools Under Way
The School Building Committee has contracted with Canada-based Colliers International to oversee the project, with HMFH Architects in Cambridge, Mass., and DBVW, a Providence architectural firm, lending their assistance.
The new 200,000-sq.-ft. building will be built just north of Gaudet Middle on open property. The student populations will be completely separated, according to the town, but each have access to a 12,000-sq.-ft gymnasium as well as cafeterias, an auditorium, and other amenities.
Everyone involved in the project has emphasized the new middle-high school building must represent Middletown and help showcase the community's immense pride.
The way the school building is planned, town officials said, will help it strive to become a "Net Zero Energy-ready" facility guaranteeing fresh air, daylight, and quality views in at least 90 percent of all occupied spaces while pushing sustainability throughout.
With the middle-high school serving as the showpiece, the bond also opens the door to converting Forest Avenue School into an early learning center for pre-kindergarten and first grade children. The plan also has the existing Middletown High School being renovated and transformed into a grades 2-5 learning center along with offices for school administrative and maintenance staff.
Once construction and renovations are finished, Gaudet Middle will be demolished to make way for new and improved athletic fields to replace those lost during the school construction.
As part of the project, affordable housing is planned for the former Oliphant School property at 26 Oliphant Lane, now used for school administrative offices and tee ball. Additionally, the Aquidneck School building on Reservoir Road is slated to be transformed into a community center using funds from grants and other non-tax dollars.
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