Skip to main content

Johnston Public Schools

School Construction

Building for the Future

An investment in students, schools, and our community
 

 


Our district continues to grow rapidly, and we are dedicated to providing safe, innovative, and supportive learning environments for all students. By working together, we can ensure that every student has the resources and surroundings they need to succeed.

Facility Plan

The district’s plan is based on clear data from the Rhode Island Department of Education about both how much our buildings are used and what condition they are in. The state measures building condition using the Facility Condition Index (FCI), where lower percentages mean better condition and higher percentages indicate buildings that need significant repairs or replacement. Buildings in the 11–30% range are considered usable with some investment, while higher ranges reflect growing concerns.

Winsor Hill has an FCI of approximately 24.08%, placing it in the “average” range, meaning it is in solid condition and can continue to be used with manageable investment. Thornton and Graniteville, both much older buildings, have historically been rated in poorer condition categories (Level 2), which aligns with higher FCI ranges indicating significant repair needs, and Brown Avenue School also reflects aging infrastructure and increasing maintenance demands. Together, these buildings represent facilities that would require substantial investment to bring up to modern standards.

Although Barnes Elementary School is in relatively solid condition, its smaller size limits its ability to efficiently support district-wide programming; in contrast, Winsor Hill offers significantly greater capacity and flexibility, making it better suited to accommodate consolidated programs and maximize overall building utilization.

  • Enrollment Growth

    Growing student populations are increasing demand on classrooms and shared spaces.

  • Facility Needs

    Updates are needed to maintain safe, functional, and modern learning environments.

  • Future Planning

    Proactive improvements help manage long-term costs and support community growth.

Proposed Projects

Here are the projects included in the plan:

  • New Campus

    Originally planned as a Grade 1–4 facility. The new building will now serve Grades 2–5 beginning with its opening.

  • Winsor Hill School

    Will become the district wide swing space Grade K-1 school starting in 2026-27.

  • Early Childhood Center

    The District will host all PreK students at Ferri Middle School.

  • Closure of Thornton (FER 70.56%) 
  • Closure of Graniteville (55.58%) This Program Prek moves to FMS
  • Closure of Graniteville (55.58%) This Program Prek moves to FMS
  • Sunsetting ECC Center (K) @ FMS
  • K and 1programming moving to Windsor Hill 
  • Winsor Hill (25.5%) which has best efficiency rating currently.
177
Pre-K Seats		 220
Kindergarten Seats		 220
First Grade Seats

 

  • ✓ Smoother grade-level transitions and stronger academic alignment.
  • ✓ Cohesive K–5 continuum across Winsor Hill Avenue and the new Elementary campus.
  • ✓ Potential rental opportunities for town with schools like EXCEL Academy if  Thornton, Brown, Barnes, Graniteville go offline. Johnston students would not be eligible for charter school, students identified from other communities already. 
  • ✓ Could sell unused buildings, financial advantage for town.

    • Closure of Thornton (FER 70.56%) 
    • Closure of Graniteville (55.58%) This Program Prek moves to FMS
    • Closure of Graniteville (55.58%) This Program Prek moves to FMS
    • Sunsetting ECC Center (K) @ FMS
    • K and 1programming moving to Windsor Hill 
    • Winsor Hill (25.5%) which has best efficiency rating currently.

  • 177
    Pre-K Seats    		 220
    Kindergarten Seats    		 220
    First Grade Seats

     

    • ✓ Smoother grade-level transitions and stronger academic alignment.
    • ✓ Cohesive K–5 continuum across Winsor Hill Avenue and the new Elementary campus.
    • ✓ Potential rental opportunities for town with schools like EXCEL Academy if  Thornton, Brown, Barnes, Graniteville go offline. Johnston students would not be eligible for charter school, students identified from other communities already. 
    • ✓ Could sell unused buildings, financial advantage for town.

Building Tomorrow, Together

This facility plan represents a shared investment in our students and our community’s future. Follow us on social media and download the ParentSquare App to receive important updates and stay informed on the latest projects happening in our district.

Presentations

Construction Reports