The new Rogers High School building is approximately 70% complete and on schedule to open its doors to students in September 2025, according to an update provided at Tuesday’s Newport School Committee meeting.
Louisa Boatwright, a member of the School Building Committee, reported that the project is progressing well and nearing its final funding phase. “Tomorrow is a big night,” Boatwright said, referring to an upcoming city council meeting. “We have the SPC voted to put forth a memo to the city council asking for the final dash of funding.”
The committee is requesting $2.9 million to cover remaining costs, including safety features that had been previously value-engineered out of the project. These include lighting for parking lots and signage on the building.
Newport City Council to consider $2.9 million in additional funding for Rogers High School construction
Boatwright highlighted the project’s financial successes, noting that $1.5 million in value management savings had been achieved. Additionally, Dr. Jermain secured $2.5 million in grants, supplementing the $1.2 million previously obtained.
“Not too many public schools get grants like that,” Boatwright remarked.
The new building will feature significant technological upgrades. Superintendent Jermain mentioned that Shawn Rubin from Throughline Learning will present in January about the technology integration and training taking place at Rogers.
“We’ve also applied for a grant and waiting to hear from that so that the Rogers teachers not only will have support with technology for this year, but for the next two years,” Jermain said.
The project timeline remains on track, with keys expected to be handed over on June 6. The school is set to welcome students and staff in September 2025.
Boatwright outlined the remaining work, which includes improvements to the NACTC Road and finishing touches on the current Rogers High School side. This involves drainage work, sewage and piping installations, grading, and landscaping.
One ongoing issue is the presence of a large dirt pile on the site, which Boatwright clarified is 18 feet high, not seven stories as some had claimed. The pile’s composition is similar to urban fill found elsewhere in the city.
“The city is doing their job to try to understand what’s underneath the dirt and around the dirt,” Boatwright explained. “Because we have found a few issues under, you know, on the site because of the old dump site.”
The fate of this dirt pile remains undecided, pending further testing and city council decisions.
In other school news, the committee discussed a potential new cell phone policy. Principal Jared Vance of Rogers High School emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to implementing any new restrictions.
“How do we make that happen? Kind of sell the why and the purpose behind it,” Vance said. “And so it doesn’t come across as just this negative response that is in an authoritarian sort of way, but is sold to students and families in a kind, compassionate way.”
The committee voted to direct the administration to develop a draft cell phone policy and work with the Finance Director to determine cost implications.
Additionally, the district announced a new free breakfast and lunch program for all students, retroactive to Nov. 1, pending approval. Business Manager Ronald Gonsalves reported that this initiative would have minimal budget impact due to existing allocations and potential cost savings.
As the new Rogers High School building nears completion, the Newport School Committee continues to address various educational and operational challenges, balancing technological advancements with student needs and budgetary considerations.
