Photos show PVD middle school in disrepair

Gilbert Stuart Middle School in Providence has perhaps bigger issues than just one bad teacher, as evidenced by photos provided to RI Future.

The building was built in 1931, and some consider it to be among the most dilapidated schools in the city. A 2013 RIDE report rated it a 2 out of 5, with 1 being the highest score (2= “Generally good condition, some system needs. Minor renovations.”). From the RIDE report:

According to the Feb. 2013 RIDE “Public Schoolhouse Assessment”: “Most children spend a significant part of their lives inside public school buildings, so the condition of those buildings is of great concern to the State of Rhode Island. Aside from the physical safety and well-being of school children and the adults who work in school buildings, it has long been accepted that the condition and design of school buildings has a direct impact on academic performance. As the state strives to prepare its public school students for success in college, careers and life, facilities must be part of the equation.”

RI state law (16-7-35) requires “adequate school housing for all public school children in the state.”

The pictures below were sent to Providence Public School Department on October 6 by RI Future with a request for comment. That email, as well as subsequent follow-up emails and phone calls, have not be returned.