New Johnston elementary school ‘on time and on budget’

A tentative topping-off ceremony date has been set, during a school day, so students can add their signatures to the new Johnston Elementary Center’s final beam.

And a final “Guaranteed Maximum Cost agreement” of nearly $79 million has been set with Gilbane Construction for Johnston’s newest school building project, which is progressing as planned off Atwood Avenue toward a fall 2026 opening, according to town and school officials.

“The school and building committees approved the guaranteed maximum price proposal for the construction in the amount of $78,839,466,” according to Justin Bernard, Senior Project Manager of Colliers Project Leaders. “This value hits the target value for the construction which means the overall project is on time and on budget.”

Bernard delivered an update recently before a joint meeting of the Johnston School Building Committee and School Committee on Sept. 3.

“He had a slide presentation taken from a Gilbane drone that showed the progress of the building with most of the frame completed and decking installed,” according to Johnston Public Schools Superintendent Bernard DiLullo Jr. “We were also able to view the work on the grounds of the building and the roadway.”

The committee set a tentative date for the topping-off ceremony — Oct. 22 at 10:30 a.m.

“We wanted to have the ceremony take place on a school day so some students may participate and sign the final beam of the building,” DiLullo said. “Mr. Bernard updated the Committee on the budget for the elementary school, which continues to be in line with projections. The construction continues to be on schedule for completion in early spring 2026 with an opening of the new school in fall 2026.”

The committee also plans to hold a special meeting on Oct. 22 “to approve the submission of the stage III Schematic design for the proposed new Johnston High School,” according to DiLullo.

Johnston Mayor Joseph M. Polisena Jr. has been encouraged by progress at the site.

“The base decks and roof base have been put into place,” Polisena said. “Justin also presented the budget for the school so far. We are on target with the proposed budget for the new building.”