NEW: Achievement First Wants to Occupy City Schools
Monday, August 27, 2012
Rhode Island Mayoral Academies (RIMA) and Achievement First announced today that Achievement First has submitted a response to the City of Providence’s RFP to re-use two former school buildings. The RFP issued by the city sought proposals for re-use of the following school buildings: the Asa Messa Annex, Edmund Flynn, Oliver Hazard Perry and Windmill School buildings. Achievement First’s response specifies re-use proposals for the Oliver Hazard Perry Middle School on Hartford Street and the Edmund Flynn School on Blackstone Street as the launch of two public elementary schools, the first in 2013 and the second in 2014.
“The heart of any neighborhood is its schools, and Achievement First is grateful for the opportunity to submit this proposal,” said Reshma Singh, vice president of external relations at Achievement First. “If our proposal is accepted, we look forward to partnering with the mayor’s office and community leaders to ensure success. We’re eager to potentially revitalize vacant schools, partner with the community and, most importantly, provide an additional excellent public school option for Providence, Cranston, North Providence, and Warwick students and families. ”
If Achievement First is awarded the bid, the non-profit intends to make a significant investment in construction—renovations of at least $5 million at each school with additional investments as needed to create a high quality teaching and learning environment.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAchievement First proposes leasing the schools for $1 per year plus capital improvements. The lease term for Perry was proposed for September 30, 2012 to June 30, 2015; the proposed term for Flynn included a start date of September 2, 2014.
“Achievement First is hoping to make a significant investment in these communities and will work to ensure that our plans are accomplished in a cost-neutral outcome for the city. This is certainly something that can happen with the renovations we envision,” Singh said.
Achievement First and RIMA last year received preliminary approval from the Board of Regents to open two Providence-based elementary schools serving Providence, Cranston, North Providence and Warwick. The first will begin operations in 2013, for the 2013-2014 school year. The second school will come online in 2014.
“Achievement First has already demonstrated in Connecticut and New York what is possible when all students have equal access to a great education,” said Mike Magee, CEO of Rhode Island Mayoral Academies. “We are excited about the prospect of educating students at the Perry school facility and look forward to Achievement First continuing their success here in Rhode Island.”
