JOHNSTON, R.I. — Construction of the new Johnston Elementary School is not only moving forward smoothly but is also expected to finish under budget, marking a rare win for a district that has faced financial challenges in recent years.
At a Sept. 9 building subcommittee meeting, Justin Bernard, senior project manager at Colliers Engineering & Design, told Johnston Public Schools (JPS) officials that the total anticipated cost of the project is now projected to come in just under $92 million, compared to the initial budget of $94.6 million. So far, about $65 million has been spent.
Bernard credited cost-saving negotiations with Gilbane Building Company and its subcontractors for much of the savings, particularly around soil disposal. The district had originally expected to spend $1.4 million to remove excess soil at $40 per ton. Thanks to renegotiated rates, the cost will now be closer to $250,000 at just $15 per ton.
“This is a big deal: on time and under budget. That’s what we were hoping for,” said Joseph Rotella, chair of the Johnston School Committee.
Committee member Carolyn Thornton Iannuccilli praised the efforts of district staff in finding creative ways to trim costs. “I think we need that kind of diligence and hard work to find those savings for our school district, which is all going to add up,” she said, giving credit to Finance Director Dean Huff for pushing through the soil disposal deal.
Bernard shared drone footage from late August, showing steady progress on the site. According to his update:
The next big milestone will be landscaping, which includes an outdoor playground and the planting of trees scheduled to arrive in late October.
The $92 million project carries major financial significance for the town. Johnston has faced ongoing budget struggles, requiring a $5.4 million reserve fund bailout earlier this year to balance the books.
By consolidating four existing elementary schools into the new building, district leaders hope to reduce long-term operating costs. The new facility will accommodate up to 1,100 students in grades 1–4 and is expected to streamline staffing, maintenance, and utility expenses.
“The savings we’re seeing here are not just about construction—they will carry forward into the district’s operating costs for years to come,” officials emphasized during the meeting.
Set to open in fall 2026, the new Johnston Elementary School is being viewed as a turning point for the district. For many parents, teachers, and local leaders, the promise of a modern, efficient, and cost-effective facility offers both relief and renewed optimism.
The project is also a symbolic win: a large-scale public construction effort delivered on time and under budget at a moment when rising costs have plagued similar school projects across the country.
Originally reported by Johnston Sunrise in Construction Equipment Guide.
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