This project includes two separate projects per the State Office of School Construction/Department of Administrative Services that are being done concurrently. With Rockwell originally built in 1971 and the Johnson school in 1980, the electrical & infrastructure did not meet technological needs, spaces and furniture could not be adapted to promote 21st Century Skills without significant expense, and intervention/support space was completely inadequate. The Town of Bethel decided to renovate-as-new both schools, also including a large addition to The Johnson School to accommodate the third graders' move to the school. The town of Bethel and town voters approved a total of $65.8 million for the two projects.

Construction has continued through the ever changing COVID-19 pandemic, with restrictions and required accommodations changing week-to-week, as well as the consequent supply and labor shortages. An unexpectedly damaging storm blew through the area in August 2020 that presented additional unanticipated workforce and supply challenges.

However, students were able to being attending classes in September of 2020 as construction continued on spaces that cannot be used due to COVID-19, such as the gym and cafeteria. Students continue to attend class and the project is still on track for the original date of completion in December 2020.

RALPH M. T. JOHNSON SCHOOL: