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SMITHFIELD – Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) celebrated the completion of the structural framework of the new Swift Creek Elementary school with a topping out ceremony.
The event was hosted by Balfour Beatty, general contractors of the Swift Creek Elementary project. JCPS officials, project management team members, and community members were excited to see the progress of the building.
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“It is amazing to see the progress that has been made on the building and the entire worksite altogether,” stated JCPS Superintendent, Dr. Eric C. Bracy. “A few months ago we were breaking ground, and now to witness the raising of the beam is unbelievable. It is exciting indeed.”
Swift Creek Elementary has the capacity for 939 Pre-K through fifth-grade students. The nearly 115,877 square foot, two-story design offers a modern-day feel featuring a shared cafeteria, auditorium, and gym space.
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The state-of-the-art building will provide unique learning and work spaces conducive for academic and professional success. Swift Creek Elementary will also give students and staff a safe and secure learning environment, a key aspect of the design.
The highly anticipated project is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2025. The Johnston County community is ready to feel the impact of the new school and experience first-hand the relief from overcrowding. “We are looking forward to the completion of Swift Creek Elementary and seeing the additional learning spaces provided for our students,” added Dr. Bracy.
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The new school will make an immediate impact by relieving overcrowding of Polenta, Cleveland, West View, McGee’s Crossroads, Dixon Road, Four Oaks, and Wilson’s Mills elementary schools.
“JCPS is growing and expanding, and is doing so with the specific needs of the community in mind,” noted Facilities Design and Construction Project Manager Zach Armstrong. “As our population continues to increase it will be imperative that we continue to provide the educational spaces that meet the associated needs.”
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Today’s milestone event is one of many great things happening within JCPS, which is not only growing in size and population but is also growing in academic proficiency and success. Swift Creek Elementary will soon provide a top-notch education for many students in Johnston County.