Johnston County Public Schools reports progress at Cooper Academy addition and Wilson's Mills High topping-out

District staff told the board that construction is progressing on a 20-classroom addition at Cooper Academy in Clayton and that Wilson's Mills High School recently reached a construction topping-out milestone.

At Cooper Academy, staff reported exterior brick work is complete, doors and windows are being installed and site crews were preparing sod and final dirt work. The district said the new addition will provide 20 classrooms and additional upgraded space; staff said students and staff will be able to occupy the addition this fall.

At Wilson's Mills High School, district staff said the project reached a beam-signing and topping-out ceremony and that the district has set the final piece of structural steel for the building. Construction updates included exterior sheathing, poured concrete, grandstands in place, and upcoming waterproofing and brick work. District staff stated the project is a little over 400 days from opening to teachers and students.

District staff thanked taxpayers, county commissioners and school-board members who they said helped make the construction possible. These remarks were delivered as informational updates rather than items requiring a board vote.