Voters in Providence will have two school building bond issues to consider on the November 8, 2022 ballot. One question asks for approval of $250 million in bonds issued by the State of Rhode Island in order to finance upgrades and improvements to schools state-wide. The second question asks for approval of $125 million in bonds issued by the City of Providence for the same purpose. The links below provide information and context for these referenda:

State Treasurer press release on approval of State bond issue

State of Rhode Island Voter Handbook

Rhode Island Department of Education press release on approval of City bond issue

Text of City of Providence Ordinance related to 2022 School Bonds

These bond issues build upon a previous commitment by both the State of Rhode Island and the City of Providence to invest in public school infrastructure to ensure that all state and city schools are safe, comfortable and equipped for 21st Century Learning.

Voters last approved a state-wide referendum for $250 million in 2018. Voters in Providence approved $160 million in bonds for school construction in 2018 and another $140 million in 2020.

The League of Women Voters of Providence has been following this issue for nearly a decade and has been and continues to be supportive of both bond issues as a means to improve the quality of our public school facilities.

Additional background on the history of this effort, as well as progress on school improvements to date, can be found here.