Johnston County schools outline 2024 bond projects: new schools, HVAC overhauls and athletic upgrades

Johnston County Public Schools provided a progress update on several projects funded through recent bonds and county support.

The district said Cooper Academy received 20 new classrooms, offices and resource rooms under the 2022 bond and that the 2024 bond has funded additional upgrades, including a new fire alarm system. Swift Creek Elementary was described as a new elementary with capacity for more than 900 students and modern design features installed as part of the district’s expansion.

Work at Wilson's Mills High School is advancing, the district said, with exterior work nearing completion, spectator stands in place and interior levels sheetrocked and primed; the district listed a fall 2026 opening target for that campus. At Cleveland High School the district credited county commissioners for funding an expedited addition that removed portable classrooms and established secure indoor connections between buildings.

Other 2024 bond projects the district named: a full build‑out at Thanksgiving Elementary adding six classrooms; major HVAC overhauls at Cleveland Elementary and 4 Oaks Elementary; planned additions at McGee’s Elementary; a new metal roof at East Clayton Elementary; and a track and tennis court upgrade plus a press box at North Johnston High beginning in 2026. The district said many items are already in construction or design phases.

The district framed these projects as responses to population growth and a commitment to modern learning environments. Specific contract awards, financing breakdowns and detailed completion dates beyond the targets given were not provided in the district presentation.