Rhode Island lawmakers to hear resolution to reverse closure of Providence schools

(WJAR) — Rhode Island state lawmakers will hear a resolution Wednesday urging them to reverse a decision to close some Providence public schools.

The resolution was introduced earlier this year by Rep. Enrique Sanchez.

He’s asking lawmakers to override the state Department of Education and Providence Public Schools’ decision to close the following three schools: Alan Shawn Feinstein at Broad Street Elementary, Carl G. Lauro Elementary and Gilbert Stuart Middle School.

• MORE COVERAGE: Lawmaker files resolution urging state to reverse decision on Providence school closures

The school closures were announced late last year and drew controversy from parents and staff about the way it was handled.

Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green previously told NBC 10 that the schools were closing because they are too old and too costly to fix. Students will have the option to be placed in newer schools throughout the district in close proximity to their current school buildings.

RIDE also says the schools that are set to close are consistently rated as the worst facilities in the city and enrollment is down.

• DOCUMENT: Resolution to reverse closures

In the resolution, Rep. Sanchez argues that “the state has oversight of the Providence Schools budget.”

He previously told NBC 10 that he was disappointed with how the closures were handled and would have preferred the district update its existing infrastructure instead.

The resolution still needs support from lawmakers and the governor in order to reverse RIDE's decision.