Eastbayri.com

EAST PROVIDENCE — Is East Providence High School a dump? Radio talk show Dan Yorke thinks so.

In the two o'clock hour of his radio program on 630 WPRO, Mr. Yorke called the high school a "dump," saying he recently visited the facility for an athletic event.

In an interview following his broadcast on Tuesday, Mr. Yorke said he was not criticizing the custodial staff of the school, nor was he picking on East Providence.

"It's not the first time I've made a comment on this. I've always felt bad over the idea that we don't think about the message we're sending our kids when they go to school in dilapidated buildings," he said.

"Kids get a message when they're going to school in poor facilities. I feel bad for the kids in East Providence. It's not custodial … there's only so much you can do with a broom."

"I don't really agree with many things that Mr. Yorke has said. I think Mr. Yorke speaks for himself. We know the high school needs work and now that we've had the bond referendum done we will move forward with the work that has to be done," said school committee chairman Charlie Tsonos.

"Throughout the school system, throughout the buildings there is a lot of work that has to be done. What we're trying to do is prioritize … and most of the effort I believe will be directed toward the asbestos and the infrastructure at the high school."

The Post took to its Facebook fan page to ask people if they thought Mr. Yorke's statement was fair. The responses came quickly:

1. "It certainly was the last time I was inside … smelled like one, too," said Susie Costa.
2. "It is a dump," wrote Derek Ferreira.
3. "The place isn't exactly in the best condition," wrote Shawn O'Domski.

School improvement project moving forward

Meanwhile, some improvements could be coming to the high school. The East Providence Budget Commission has signed off on moving forward with the second half of a district-wide school improvement project.

Last summer, $6 million of the project’s $15 million total was carried out across the district. The remaining $9 million has been slated for this summer. The recent hold-up on moving forward with the project’s second half was securing the remaining funds. The city has experienced difficulty with borrowing since it’s bond rating was reduced to junk status late last year.

The budget commission previously decided not to offer guarantees to those planning phase II of the project in the event funds could not be secured. Last Thursday, however, the budget commission said planning for the second stage can begin on news from the city’s financial advisor that funds will likely be secured.

Previously, school finance director Mary King said planning for the second stage should already be underway if it is to begin at the end of this school year. Ms. King said school officials are “still hopeful” all $9 million can be carried out this summer. In the event it cannot, Ms. King said the focus will be on ensuring asbestos abatement is carried out at the high school.