Central Falls breaks ground on historic new high school
In August 2023, the Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation closed on a $93.5 million bond issue to finance the project. With the state’s credit supporting the bonds, Central Falls was able to secure financing at a lower cost for the new school.
The historic groundbreaking was celebrated by leaders throughout the city and state:
Governor Dan McKee:
"Improving school infrastructure in Rhode Island is vital to help our state reach its education goals. When finished, the new Central Falls High School will provide career and technical education training to students and offer a wide variety of learning opportunities to help students succeed in the short term and long term. I'm grateful to the state, local, school, and private leaders who have helped kickstart this project."
U.S. Senator Jack Reed:
“This is an exciting day for Central Falls and I’m proud to join Mayor Rivera to help kick off construction. Schools are community assets. And having state-of-the-art, inviting facilities improves the learning experience, boosts educational outcomes, helps enhance the health and well-being of students and teachers, and builds a stronger community. Beyond bricks and mortar and a new school building, this is about building a brighter future for all of Central Falls.”
U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner:
“Every student in Rhode Island deserves to go to a great school, and I’m proud to have championed legislation in partnership with Mayor Rivera, Senator Acosta and Representative Giraldo to help build a new Central Falls High School. As former RI General Treasurer, I launched a school construction program that has helped rebuild schools across our state, and I am continuing to fight for education funding in Congress to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.”
Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green:
"Breaking ground on a brand new 21st-century high school marks a historic moment for Central Falls students, families, and educators. We're proud to have partnered with school, city, and state officials to make this project a reality. I look forward to returning and celebrating the completion of this brand-new facility that will benefit generations of students to come."
Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa:
“Today is an incredible day for Central Falls. This school is a major investment in our students that will ensure they are educated in 21st century learning spaces and prepared for success. I commend Mayor Rivera for getting this venture across the finish line and I thank all the partners for believing in Central Falls.”
Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi:
“All of our students deserve modern, clean, safe schools where they can learn, grow, and thrive. I was incredibly proud to support statewide school construction bonds to ensure that our kids can have the state-of-the-art learning institutions they need, like this new high school being built in Central Falls, so they can reach their full potential.”
Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio:
“Every student in Rhode Island deserves a safe, modern learning environment. Across our state, we have already seen the many benefits of our investments in 21st-century school buildings, along with the excitement and pride these projects have generated in our communities. Today’s groundbreaking is an important step forward for the students, families and educators of Central Falls.”
Representative Joshua Giraldo:
"As a proud graduate of Central Falls High School, I know firsthand the incredible potential and resilience of our students. This new high school is more than a building; it is a commitment to their future and a testament to the belief that every student deserves state-of-the-art facilities to learn, innovate, and grow. Together, we are not just constructing a school; we are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more prosperous future for all our young people in Central Falls."
Senator Jonathon Acosta:
“Today’s celebration marks and investment in our collective future. The children of Centra Falls are the future of this City, State, and Nation The next Violas Davis, Treasurer Diossa, Mayor Rivera and Dr. Upegui will be educated in the halls of this building. The world eagerly awaits their contributions to our society.”
Dr. Stephanie Downey-Toledo, Superintendent, Central Falls School District:
"Beyond the bricks and mortar, this school represents a promise—a promise to our students that no dream is too big, no obstacle too great. It is a promise to our community that we will invest in our future, nurturing the next generation of thinkers, doers, and leaders."
Michael F. Sabitoni, President, Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council:
"Investing in our future leaders and workforce is one of the best decisions our state and communities can make. The new Central Falls High School will open doors to more opportunities for students as well as by working with programs such as Building Futures. State and community leaders, families, and our workforce all rallied to advocate for this important and historic project, and we're proud to reach this groundbreaking milestone toward building the future of Central Falls."
Dylan Zelazo, Executive Director, Rhode Island Health & Educational Building Corporation (RIHEBC):
"Our state's students deserve modern, 21st century learning facilities, and that's exactly what this beautiful new high school will provide for generations of Central Falls learners. "RIHEBC is pleased to have provided $93.5 million in bond financing to make this new Central Falls High School project a reality. This project couldn't have happened without years of advocacy and cooperation between Mayor Maria Rivera, former Mayor and now Treasurer James Diossa, Governor Dan McKee, and the General Assembly. There’s nothing more fundamental to the success of our cities, towns, and state than a vibrant public education system, and we’re proud that RIHEBC provides the bond financing to make school construction projects like this happen."
Sophia Roca, 9th Grade Student, Central Falls High School:
“We are finally getting a new school where I will be graduating in 2027! I feel that a new school building is needed and well-deserved for all students in Central Falls. We spend so much time in school, and for some of us, the building feels like a home. Many of our teachers and staff have worked in the same building year after year-a building that has paint peeling off the walls and holes in the floor and ceiling. The old school building feels like it's falling apart with each passing day. It's only right that we finally are able to experience a new building that will engage and motivate students, teachers, and staff every day.”
Dr. David Upegui, science teacher and alumni, Central Falls High School:
“Central Falls High School is so much more than a building. It is a haven where students can flourish and prepare to become the stewards of our future. Today's demonstrated commitment to education cannot end with the completion of a physical structure. Our interconnected future demands our unwavering dedication. Afterall, we are preparing the minds that will need to solve the world's most dire problems. Together, with your continued support, we'll fulfill the promise of empowering our students to shape a brighter world.”
Chair Andrew Bramson, Central Falls School District Board of Trustees:
"Education is the cornerstone of progress, and every child deserves access to a nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. With this new high school, we are not just constructing buildings; we are laying the foundation for future leaders, innovators, and changemakers."
The Project Manager – Peregrine Group, who also supported the successful build of the new East Providence High School – is working in collaboration with the city and School Building Committee to keep progress moving forward. Additionally, Ai3 Architects, Inc. is serving as Project Architect and Brait Builders Corporation is serving as General Contractor.
The construction project has been designated as a Northeast Collaborative for High Performing Schools Project, which recognizes high-performance goals, and key features like zero energy capable, biophilic and responsive design, safer schools by design, and low radon.
Construction on the new high school starts April 2024, with anticipated completion by the end of 2025, contingent on construction progress through weather, material delivery, and other external timeline influences.
