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4/10/2025
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Legislative leaders help break ground on new Pawtucket high school
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STATE HOUSE — Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) joined elected and community leaders including Gov. Dan McKee, Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien, Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green, Pawtucket City Council members, Pawtucket Schools Acting Superintendent Randy Buck, and Pawtucket School Committee members for a ceremonial groundbreaking project for the new Pawtucket High School project on the site of the former McCoy Stadium.
Speaker Shekarchi was joined by Sen. Robert Britto (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket), Sen. Lori Urso (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket), Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls), Rep. Leonela “Leo” Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket) and Rep. Mary Duffy Messier (D-Dist. 62, Pawtucket).
The $326 million project will create a transformative new 375,000 sq ft learning space for approximately 2,100 high school students. The project team includes owner’s project manager Colliers Project Leaders, construction manager Shawmut Design and Construction, and architect Jonathan Levi Architects.
“The General Assembly was proud to pass legislation to invest in the new Pawtucket High School campus,” said Speaker Shekarchi. “It is very fitting that the site of the former McCoy Stadium will be transformed into a state-of-the-art educational facility. Many of us remember when Ben Mondor revitalized the stadium, as well as the team that played here. Mr. Mondor was also an exceptional philanthropist who loved our state and gave back tremendously to create more opportunities for others. In fact, just before he passed away, Mr. Mondor and his wife Madeleine helped a local school move to a bigger facility so it could help even more students. I think he’d be pleased that the site he loved will now be the home of Pawtucket’s modern, unified high school.”
“My administration is committed to partnering with local communities to create high-quality learning environments that foster innovation and support student success,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Together with other state-supported projects—like the new soccer stadium, train station, and housing developments such as Dexter Street Commons—this new school represents a vital investment in Pawtucket’s future: its people, its neighborhoods, and our local economy.”
“Today is a great day for the students of Pawtucket who deserve a modern, 21st century learning environment that prepares them for success,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien. “McCoy Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of so many, filled with cherished memories of baseball games, concerts, and community events. While we honor and celebrate that rich history, we also move forward and focus on what’s next for our city. Today, we break ground on a state-of-the-art new high school that invests in our students, our families, and our entire community. This project will provide transformative opportunities for generations of Pawtucket Schools students to come, and we thank our residents for their support and patience as we embark on this exciting project.”
"The groundbreaking of Pawtucket 's new high school marks a historic moment for a major investment that will allow more students to learn and thrive in a 21st century school," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "The new unified school will offer cutting-edge tools and features that will enhance learning and engagement and empower students and teachers to succeed. RIDE is proud to be a partner on this project, and I look forward to returning for the grand opening and celebrating alongside members of the Pawtucket community."
“Breaking ground on the new Pawtucket High School marks an exciting and transformative moment for our school district,” said Acting Pawtucket Schools Superintendent Randy Buck. “This project represents a bold investment in our students, our families, and the future of education in Pawtucket. McCoy Stadium holds a special place in our community’s history, filled with memories that will always be cherished. But soon, we will turn the page to a new chapter, one that ensures every student has access to a modern, innovative learning environment that prepares them for success in college, careers, and beyond. I’m honored to stand alongside our city leadership, school committee, and residents as we embark on this journey together. The work we do today will shape the future of Pawtucket for generations to come.”
“Entering the demolition phase of this project is bittersweet for many in Pawtucket, me included,” said Pawtucket City Council President Terrence Mercer. “I grew up a block from McCoy and the stadium was essentially the backdrop for my entire childhood. It even provided me with my very first job hawking popcorn and peanuts in the stands. But that’s the past, and this project is about the future, the future of Pawtucket, and the future of generations of students thirsty for knowledge and growth, and eager for the additional Career and Technical Education training that will assuredly make attainable the bright future we wish for them.”
Completion of the new Pawtucket High School is anticipated in December 2028. Detailed information about the construction project and the features of the new Pawtucket High School can be found at psdri.net/pawtucket-high-school/.
For more information, contact:
Larry Berman, Communications Director for the Office of the Speaker
State House Room 322
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2466
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