Santiago accelerates school infrastructure work ahead of the 2026-2027 school year
Just hours before the education system begins the 2026-2027 school year, the Regional Directorate of Education in Santiago finds itself in a race against time. Authorities have intensified renovation and construction work in 24 educational centers across the province, with the goal of ensuring safe and functional environments for the student body and teaching staff.
Pedro Pablo Marte, regional director of the institution, reported that the interventions, which began last March, cover a wide range of needs ranging from the repair of roofs, floors, and bathrooms, to the adaptation of sports courts, dining halls, and common areas. According to the official, although significant progress has been made, the complexity of some repairs will require the brigades to continue working even after the official start of classes.
We have been working on this process since March. The priority is to resolve the deficiencies permanently and prevent the problems from reappearing shortly after the work is completed.
Pedro Pablo Marte, Regional Director of Education
Structural and geological challenges
The rehabilitation process has revealed significant challenges. In the case of the Enriquillo school, the improvement works had to be deepened after damage was detected in pipes that compromised the structural integrity of the building. This forced the repairs to be extended to the foundations and the basement, prioritizing safety over aesthetic finishes.
On the other hand, a construction project for a new educational center in Santiago has had to be rethought. Technical studies detected a geological fault in the selected land, which prevents the original design from being executed in concrete. Currently, educational authorities are collaborating with the community to seek safe alternatives that allow the work to be completed.
Million-dollar investment in modernization
The commitment to improving school infrastructure is reflected in an investment of over RD$190 million in various facilities. This figure is broken down as follows:
- RD$160 million: Allocated for the creation of new educational areas, including modern dining halls and multipurpose rooms.
- RD$15 million: Specifically assigned for general renovation work.
- Sports infrastructure: Restoration of courts, replacement of flooring, and installation of new sports equipment.
To accelerate the process, technical staff are working extended shifts, including night hours. Although the goal is to minimize interruptions, authorities have been transparent in noting that not all centers will be at one hundred percent by the time the first school bell rings. Alofoke Deportes will provide constant monitoring of the progress of these works and the impact they may have on the development of the academic calendar in the province.
