City Councilman Seth Yurdin (Ward One) is calling on city and state leaders to align funding priorities and allocate more resources for public school buildings across Providence and throughout Rhode Island. At tonight’s City Council meeting, Yurdin will introduce a call to action to Governor Gina Raimondo, members of the General Assembly, Mayor Jorge Elorza, the Providence School Board, and the Rhode Island Department of Education to collaborate and develop a plan that addresses critical issues directly affecting students’ learning environments.

“Providing a proper public education and adequate facilities in which to learn should be a priority this year,” Yurdin said. Securing funding for such infrastructure repairs is already under consideration as part of the “Fair Shot Agenda” proposed by a number of State Representatives and Senators. Yurdin’s resolution further urges other State and local leaders to support funding necessary to provide Rhode Island’s youth with the facilities that a quality education requires.

Yurdin notes a number of research findings, including the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s 2013 School House Assessment, which states that approximately 20% of Rhode Island public school buildings are in need of “moderate to major renovations” or “replacement.”

“The long-term impact of school infrastructure investment will improve the well-being and education outcomes for our young people. By improving the quality of students’ learning environments and addressing the health and safety concerns within our school buildings, we’ll be in a better position to provide the fundamental tools students need to thrive.”

The resolution calls for the development of a comprehensive plan address infrastructure issues within Providence Public School buildings. If adopted, the City of Providence would hold public forums in multiple neighborhood locations and engage stakeholders to address concerns.

The resolution will be introduced at the City Council meeting on Thursday, January 19th at 7 PM in the Council Chambers located on the Third Floor of City Hall.