Local elementary school may soon close

EAST PROVIDENCE R.I. (WPRI) – The fate of a local elementary school is up in the air as school officials consider closing it down to save money.

The East Providence Budget Commission said the district needs to cut costs and close Oldham Elementary School in Riverside.

“It's the smallest school. It would cause the least amount of disruption to parents and students. The entire student population can be fit into another school," said Interim Superintendent Dr. John DeGoes.

The elementary school has 178 students and they would all be moved to Waddington Elementary School, which is also located in Riverside.

Parents, students and administrators met Wednesday night to discuss the proposal and many parents said they are not happy with the idea.

"They're going to try and move these kids, they're not going to fit them, so they're going to have to remodel the school. So it's kind of a waste. Just fix the school they're in," said Carol Cunha, whose daughter attends Oldham Elementary.

Dr. DeGoes said repairing Oldham is not an option because it’s in need of significant repairs, which could cost up to $2 million.

Officials said Wednesday night’s public hearing is the first of many steps the East Providence Budget Commission plans to take to permanently close Oldham Elementary at the end of the year.