School construction projects create thousands of jobs

(WPRI) — Rhode Island has been busy rebuilding schools across the Ocean State.

Department of Education Chief Operations Officer Mario Carreño said by one estimate, the projects have created 30,000 local jobs.

“Since 2018, we’ve approved over $5 billion of projects in our state,” he said. “That’s in every single city and town in Rhode Island.”

Once one project is done, the next begins, creating longevity for these jobs as well.

“These bonds, with the repayment of them, are over a 20 to 30-year period, meaning the people using the school will ultimately repay it. Taxpayers who are paying it now will only pay a piece of it,” Carreño said. “This is very similar to when someone takes a mortgage out. You want flexibility to live your life and also pay for your assets.”

Tonight on 12 News at 5, hear from Providence Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez about why these school construction project impact student absenteeism rates and retaining teachers.

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