BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — After a major renovation, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held Monday at the Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School in East Boston.
“September and October we have cut the ribbon on the new Carter School, we have cut the ribbon on the Sarah Roberts School, and we have the ribbon at the Curley Playground. And today we celebrate PJK,” Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper said.
The ceremony on Monday was packed with students, teachers, and lawmakers.
“And I do believe when the government, the village, and the people come together to invest in just the building, the kids feel they are being invested in themselves,” State Senator Lydia Edwards said at the ceremony.
The renovations to the 3,900-square-foot two-story addition include a new stairwell, a new elevator serving all three levels of the building, accessible toilets, brand new doors and hardware, and other upgrades that prioritize accessibility.
“Every space inside, in between, outside, classrooms, they’re tailored to meet all our students’ needs. Upgraded sidewalks, fences, and greenery for families that walk to school,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who was also at the ceremony, said.
Wu said more Boston Public School buildings are being rebuilt right now than any other time in the last forty years.
“We want Boston Public Schools, the oldest and first public school system in the country, to be the very best in the country,” Wu said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports.