Johnston residents vote to approve bond to transform school district

April 5, 2022 9:00 am

Cori Dubois, Joseph Richard,

These are renderings of Johnston High School provided by the Johnston School Department, Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

These are renderings of Johnston High School provided by the Johnston School Department, Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

Show Caption Hide Caption
These are renderings of Ferri Middle School provided by the Johnston School Department, Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

These are renderings of Ferri Middle School provided by the Johnston School Department, Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

Show Caption Hide Caption
These are renderings of Early Childhood Center provided by the Johnston School Department, Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

These are renderings of Early Childhood Center provided by the Johnston School Department, Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

Show Caption Hide Caption
Polls are open in Johnston, Tuesday, April 5, 2022. (WLNE)

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Johnston residents headed to the polls during a special referendum election Tuesday.

Residents voted on a bond to fund a $215 million school facility overhaul.

The bond passed with massive approval. 1,100 residents approving and 178 rejecting the proposal.

Gov. Dan McKee joined town officials to sign the bill back in February to allow Johnston to seek a bond referendum.

“We want our children to have the best and its time to have new schools. We’re voting yes,” said Rayna Spada.

“It’s important to us that our town has newer schools. I like the sound of better air conditioning, heating systems, new technology. These buildings are really old,” continued the Johnston mom.

With the bond passing, the town’s school system will transform a brand new early childhood center, and consolidating four elementary schools into a massive school. Millions of dollar will also be put into renovating the middle and high school.

“I’m just hoping that people go out and vote today. It’s very important it’s going to change the dynamics of the whole town really. The schools are going to affect every age group from pre-k to high school. It’s something that’s probably long overdue,” said Johnston Mayor Joe Polisena.

Polisena said the plan wouldn’t cost homeowners a dime. The town would borrow the $215 million with a 56% reimbursement from the state. The rest of the money, about 95 million dollars, would come from taxes — but the mayor says the town has it covered.

“We’ve had so much growth and development from businesses that it’s going to have a negligible impact on the taxes. The taxes will not go up because of the schools. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” added Polisena.

Tax dollars from the new developments, including the Amazon warehouse, are expected to cover the existing annual bond payments.