WARWICK, R.I. — A major milestone is taking shape for public education in Warwick as construction on the brand-new Toll Gate High School continues to progress. The district, which previously hosted NBC 10 News for a tour of its aging school facilities earlier this year, says the transformation now visible on-site marks a new era for students and families.
"Things are a lot different," said Steven Gothberg, director of Capital and Construction Projects for Warwick Schools, while standing at the active job site where concrete foundation work is well underway.
Gothberg shared significant progress metrics as crews work across the 3,000-yard foundation footprint.
"We've poured about two-thirds of the foundation. We've poured 2,000 yards of concrete of the 3,000. What we see up ahead is the back of the building, which gives us direct access to the career and tech center behind us," said Gothberg.
Warwick’s two public high schools — Pilgrim and Toll Gate — were built more than 50 years ago. Officials say new and improved learning environments are crucial to supporting future career opportunities and STEM-focused education.
"These schools are 50 years old plus, so I'm excited that we can have new educational facilities here in Warwick and keep our students here and keep them from going elsewhere," Gothberg added.
Superintendent William McCaffrey sees the project as a defining moment for the city’s revitalization:
"To me, it's going to be the renaissance of Warwick."
The new school is scheduled to open its doors to students in fall 2027, with the athletic facilities planned for completion in 2029. Both projects represent the largest school building investments in the state, funded through a voter-approved $350 million bond.
"It's the best investment we can make. Investing in our future, and investing in our kids," said McCaffrey.
Like many school buildouts in the current economy, the Toll Gate project is navigating cost escalations. When asked if the development remains financially on track, Gothberg responded:
"We are close. We believe that we are a little bit over, but we projected that, but we will not be substantially over that."
He estimates a funding gap between $5 million and $10 million, though officials expect Warwick may offset the difference through a supplemental bond measure — ensuring that educational quality is not compromised.
Residents can look forward to major changes on the skyline soon.
"Steel will be going up, so you'll see things going up in the air and that's when it gets really exciting," said Gothberg.
With momentum building and anticipation growing, McCaffrey says the district’s transformation will reshape how Warwick’s young people learn, compete, and envision their futures.
"We have a lot to offer and we'll have the best high schools in the state once this is completed," he said.
Originally reported by ABBEY BUTTACAVOLI in NBC 10 NEWS.
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