Pawtucket council asks state to front school construction funds to speed Slater Middle School fixes

The City Council unanimously approved a resolution memorializing the General Assembly to authorize a state financing arrangement for Slater Middle School construction or major renovation so the state would front most of the cost and Pawtucket would bond for an estimated local share.

Council leadership said the approach mirrors the Central Falls model and aims to avoid multi‑year carrying costs the city would face if it issued its own bonds up front. The motion authorizes staff to request legislation authorizing the state to enter a financing agreement; the resolution estimates a city bonding cap “not to exceed $22,500,000” (an estimated 15 percent share of a larger project) but notes the state will set the exact scope and reimbursement rate.

Councilors, school committee members and staff discussed alternatives, including immediate targeted safety and health repairs versus full replacement. School committee members said targeted work is ongoing (spring break and summer repairs planned) but emphasized the building’s poor condition and urged the council and mayor to pursue the state‑fronted financing option.

The resolution passed on a unanimous roll‑call vote. Council leadership said the next step is to work with the legislative delegation to introduce the enabling bill and to solicit the school committee’s supporting documentation.