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Rhode Island K–12 District Partners with ABM Industries to Optimize Operations

  • By Matt Jones
  • 10/10/23

The Providence Public School District in Providence, R.I., recently announced a partnership with ABM Industries to enhance the custodial, grounds, and maintenance operations of its 37 schools, according to a news release. The performance-based contract will last for three years, followed by two 2-year options. ABM provides facility services, infrastructure solutions, and parking and eMobility management solutions nationwide.

ABM will offer the district its ABM Performance Solutions model, which offers a holistic “one team” approach. The organization will work to consolidate and align all operational services, increase operational efficiency and effectiveness, and lower costs across all district schools, including three new constructions that opened this fall. The district’s previously employed 200 custodial, grounds, and maintenance staff were all offered roles within ABM, the news release reports.

“We are excited to start the school year strong with our new school facilities partner, ABM Industries, as they work with us to raise the bar and provide even better learning environments for Providence students,” said Providence Public School District Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez Ed.D. “Every Providence student, staff and community member deserves to have a school that is clean and receives the highest level of care so that our students and staff can concentrate on what they do best—teaching and learning.”

The new partnership comes as the district prepares to invest more than $600 million into schools to enhance quality and improve the student experience. ABM will provide support regarding cleanliness and operations so that district leaders can focus on educational and curriculum support.

“We are honored to partner with the Providence Public School District and Rhode Island Department of Education, as we believe there is no greater purpose than caring for the places where our children learn and their dedicated teachers and staff work so hard every day,” said ABM President of Education Valerie Burd. “At schools across the nation, ABM works to become part of the communities we serve. In Providence, we have joined a passionate team dedicated to creating the best possible environment, and we are focused on delivering for these students and this community today and in the years to come.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

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