NEW BEDFORD, MA: Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS), a tuition-free public charter school that currently services 500 students in grades 5-12, has received a pledge of $75,000 from Bristol County Savings Bank and its Foundation towards their $8 million capital campaign to fund the renovation of a historic building located at 106 Bullard Street in New Bedford creating “One School, One Campus.”

The One School, One Campus project will lead to the rehabilitation of an addition three story, 18,132 square foot building for GLCPS students, staff and community members. This project will allow GLCPS to reallocate classroom space and offer students an education experience that remains rich in technology and on the leading edge of education innovation.  The expanded classroom space will feature science labs, dedicated art and music space, foreign language classrooms, multi-use classrooms and teacher and community collaboration space. The renovation will also include necessary upgrades to bring the building up to code.

Prior to the 2019-2020 school year, GLCPS was split between two campuses, approximately 2 miles apart, creating a travel interruption during the school day for high school students that split their time between both campuses. With the new lease in place GLCPS will embark on a campaign to renovate and upgrade the facility creating “One School, One Campus.”

As a Public Charter School, GLCPS does not receive the same facilities support as traditional districts through local tax levies and the Massachusetts School Building Authority, ultimately placing the financial burden directly on the school. GLCPS will only be able to achieve the expanded campus with the support of the local community, individual donors and private foundations.

“The Bank is proud to support Global Learning Charter Public School and its effort to expand and consolidate its campus to enhance the learning experience for its students in New Bedford,” said Patrick Murray, President & CEO of Bristol County Savings Bank and President of the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation.  “Education and literacy are a key focus of our Foundation within the communities we serve so helping to fund this important project is a perfect fit with our mission.”

“We thank Bristol County Savings Bank for their very generous pledge to our school,” said Dr. Stephen Furtado, Executive Director of GLCPS. “The Bank is a great supporter of education and they have shown a commitment to serving and our community. With the support of the business community and individuals we will create a truly wonderful learning environment for our students and staff.”