Schools

Coventry Holding Public Forums For School Improvement Plans

The school department will hold a series of family and community forums about the long-term improvement plans.

Rachel Nunes's profile picture
Rachel Nunes, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
|
The Coventry residents are invited to attend a series of public forums on future improvements to schools.
The Coventry residents are invited to attend a series of public forums on future improvements to schools. (Rachel Nunes/Patch)

COVENTRY, RI — As the district begin the long process of improving the district's aging schools, the Coventry school department is holding a series of public forums and inviting parents, students, staff and members of the community to attend.

The district has begun the multi-step process of seeking approval from the state to improve school facilities throughout the district.

"This is a real opportunity to have the community look at educational facilities," Coventry Superintendent Craig Levis said of the project. "We can't afford to not at least look at it."

Find out what's happening in Coventryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

At this point, the school department is still in the planning process. Improving the town's aging infrastructure will take time and careful consideration, Levis said, adding that if action is not taken soon, Coventry schools will be in the same state as Providence's schools, which will be taken over by the state on Nov. 1.

"Every generation needs to take care of the one after it," Levis said. "These facilities are the community."

Find out what's happening in Coventryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Repairs and improvements are needed across the board, Levis said, addressing the unique challenges each school faces. Built in the 1970s, for example, Coventry High School the school does not provide the environment or infrastructure needed for a 21st Century education, such as a lack of sufficient power outlets and a finicky heating and air conditioning system.

An extension cord plugged into a solitary outlet at Coventry High School. (Rachel Nunes)
Students, teachers, staff and members of the public are invited to attend the series of public forums, which will be held throughout the coming weeks and months at schools across the district. Especially at this early stage of planning, public comment is welcomed. The schedule is as follows:
  • Oct.29: Western Coventry Elementary School
  • Oct. 30: Hopkins Hill Elementary School
  • Nov. 6: Coventry High School
  • Nov. 18: Blackrock Elementary
  • Nov. 19: Alan Shawn Feinstein Middle School of Coventry
  • Dec. 3: Tiogue Elementary School
  • Dec. 4: Washington Oak Elementary School

All public forums will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Coventry