WPRO News and the Associated Press
WARWICK, R.I. (AP) – School officials in Rhode Island are moving forward with plans to consolidate underutilized school buildings.
The Warwick School Committee voted Tuesday night to close Aldrich and Gorton junior high schools and turn Veterans High School into a new middle school.
Officials say the plan, known as Alternative 5, reduced the city’s number of active public school buildings from three high schools and three junior high schools to two high schools and two middle schools.
The Providence Journal reports the city has seen a decline in school-age population and consultants hired to help with the consolidation say up to 40 percent of the city’s classroom space goes unused.
School officials say Warwick’s 16 elementary schools will also be consolidated.
The plan is estimated to cost more than $110 million.
