Last week residents learned that the Barrington Middle School construction project was going to cost about $900,000 more than originally expected. This week local taxpayers might be happy to hear that the project could receive $3 million more than expected in reimbursement from the state. 

Local legislators said the state budget, which was recently passed by the Rhode Island Senate and House, includes language that would potentially increase the reimbursement percentage from the state for the Barrington Middle School construction project.

Taxpayers approved a $68.4 million bond to pay for the new school, and officials were expecting to receive 35 percent reimbursement or about $16.2 million from the state. 

The recent changes, however, could potentially shift that reimbursement rate to as high as 45 percent or about $3 million more in state funding. 

The state budget calls for a $250 million school construction bond and includes language that offers incentives for communities to increase their state reimbursement on eligible school construction projects. 

The budget language also shifts the eligibility date to the end of the school construction moratorium period. It initially had a July 1 date that would have excluded some projects, including Barrington.

Rep. Joy Hearn, who represents Barrington and East Providence, credited the hard work of Barrington school officials. She said Barrington School Committee Chairwoman Kate Brody and other members of the board worked diligently to change the eligibility date. 

Ms. Brody and Barrington Schools Director of Finance and Administration Doug Fiore both testified on this issue at the Rhode Island Statehouse.

"It just made sense to make the date be when the specific (school construction) moratorium was lifted," said Rep. Hearn. "That became the focus. Then it was working through the governor's office to make sure they would be supportive of a change like that, and working through the treasurer's office.

"It was kind of a big Barrington effort."

Rep. Hearn, who serves on the RI House Finance Committee, said it is still too early to say how much additional reimbursement money Barrington might receive. She said an extra 5 percentage points appeared "solid," adding that "It looks like we'll also get another 5 percent."

Rep. Hearn said Barrington will not be the only community to benefit from the change. She said there are many other districts across Rhode Island that are making improvements to their school buildings.

"I think people are recognizing that our public schools need attention," she said. "I think all the districts should be pleased."

The $250 million school construction bond will be presented as a statewide question to voters in November. 

"It has to pass in November," she said. "That's still a hurdle."

Rep. Jason Knight said he does not anticipate that the bond question will fail, but expects that some people may try to set up the bond vote as a battle between urban school districts and suburban districts. He said that is not the case: "Schools all over Rhode Island need to get fixed."

The potential increased reimbursement comes on the heels of an $884,312 cost increase for the middle school construction project. Officials identified that the specific amount of fill that was needed to be removed and replaced with a suitable fill was about twice the original estimate of 8,000 cubic yards. Removing double the amount of unsuitable fill drove up the change order, as did the cost for extra fill needed to replace the removed material. 

Bond support

Some legislators are already voicing their support for the $250 million school construction bond.

Said Senate Finance Chairman William Conley, “this is an historic investment in our school facilities that will result in the transformation of classrooms into 21st century learning environments.” 

Added Rep. Patricia Serpa: "People of all ages believe that children deserve safe and modern schools. Cheerful surroundings enhance learning and kids look forward to going to their classrooms every day. I’m proud to support this initiative.”