Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
LAWRENCE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The City of Lawrence and Lawrence Public Schools held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new kindergarten through eighth grade building Tuesday morning.
The Henry L. Oliver K-8 School was built on the grounds of the former Oliver Elementary School.
This $130 million project combined the Oliver Elementary and Middle Schools into one space, keeping aspects of the original 1917 building while expanding it to accommodate the one thousand students it will be providing for. The building is ready to start operations this upcoming fall.
Rising eighth grader Abigail Frios was one of the many students who helped do the honors of cutting the ribbon on this decade long project, and she shared some thoughts of her own.
“Now, we have a place where we can really learn. The classrooms are bright, there’s more space, and we have better tools to help us do our best,” Frios said. “So, on behalf of all the students, thank you for giving us a place that inspires us. We’re excited to make the most out of it.”
Superintendent Ralph Carrero echoed these sentiments, promising to do the best they can to help their student body excel.
“With the latest technology, it is also a message to our parents that we will do all we can to make sure your children succeed,” Carrero said.
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Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Ordanis Hernandez also spoke at the ribbon cutting, giving her thanks to the community for supporting this endeavor.
“This journey has been shaped by vison, by perseverance, and shared commitment to our students and to our community.”
The Francis M. Leahy building also underwent renovation, and is set to reopen next week, also set to be ready for the upcoming academic year.
Along with these building renovations, Lawrence Public Schools have actively been working to remove themselves from their receivership, or state controlled, status. LPS have been in receivership since 2011. Acting Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Russell D. Johnston put out a statement this past January detailing an extension to the district’s turnaround program by one year. According to the commissioner, this will allow LPS to continue to improve under state supervision until the end of the receivership, which he hopes is by the end of the year.
“In light of the ongoing work to develop a strategic plan and the impending change to the school committee’s configuration, I will continue to confer with the Receiver, Mayor, and Superintendent about how to sustain and build upon the district’s progress as we make plans for returning the district to local control. While these discussions continue, the turnaround plan will remain in effect,” Johnston said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.