Outside the Segue Institute for Learning. Photo by Steve Klamkin, WPRO News.
WPRO Newsroom and the Associated Press
CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (AP) – The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving $10 million to help increase the number of seats available in charter schools in and around the distressed community of Central Falls.
The foundation on Tuesday announced the money, which will be used to provide low- and no-interest loans for projects that increase the availability of seats available in high-performing schools to students from Central Falls. Officials say they could ultimately leverage the money for $50 million in building projects. Five to seven schools could be helped.
School Superintendent Fran Gallo says the district's schools and charters are cramped for space and have poor facilities.
Noah Wepman of the Gates Foundation says school facilities should not be a barrier to a quality education.
