Lincoln Public Schools Capital projects

Welcome to the Lincoln Public Schools Capital Improvement Projects page. Our district is dedicated to enhancing the learning environment for all students, and we are currently undertaking significant upgrades and renovations across several schools. These projects are part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best educational facilities for our community. We are committed to maintaining transparency and keeping our community informed about the progress of these projects. Updates will be provided regularly on this page, including:

  1. Current Status: Information on the current phase of construction or renovation for each school.
  2. Timelines: Expected completion dates and any adjustments to the project schedule.
  3. Key Milestones: Highlights of major achievements and progress points.
  4. Community Involvement: Opportunities for community feedback and engagement sessions.

State Funding Opportunities

Unlike other types of municipal projects, the State will reimburse districts for school construction projects. Thanks to additional incentives approved by the General Assembly in 2018, all of Lincoln's projects will receive at least 50% reimbursement. Additionally, the Town Council created a revolving capital fund that ensures state reimbursements continue to fund additional school construction projects, which also receive 50% reimbursement. This approach allows the Town to complete millions of dollars' worth of school improvements without impacting local taxes. A presentation that explains the revolving fund can be found below.

Commitment to Transparency

Transparency is a core value in our approach to these capital improvement projects. We aim to provide clear, accurate, and timely information to all stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, and community members. Your feedback and involvement are crucial to the success of these initiatives.

Schools Impacted

The following schools are undergoing improvements:

  • Lincoln High School
  • Northern Elementary School
  • Central Elementary School
  • Lonsdale Elementary School
  • Saylesville Elementary School
  • Lincoln High School Physical Education Center

Q&A

Use the buttons below to engage with the Q&A section of this page. The first button allows you to submit questions related to all projects, while the second button lets you view questions and responses.

Solar Panels Project Lincoln High School and the Physical Education Center (PEC)

November 2024 Update

The solar panels project (budgeted at $826,592 ) at Lincoln High School and the Physical Education Center (PEC) achieved “Substantial Completion” status in June 2024 and attained authorization to interconnect with RI Energy in October.

Since in operation, the systems have been generating energy for both the LHS and PEC buildings resulting in offset savings or avoided cost (avoided cost refers to that much less energy needing to be drawn from the grid) of $22k for the PEC building and $7K for Lincoln High School.

This project not only enhances the infrastructure of both the high school and the PEC but also aligns with environmental goals by adopting renewable energy sources. The project promises significant benefits in energy efficiency and sustainability for the school community.

This project will receive at least 50% State reimbursement. The net cost to taxpayers is $413,296.

Photo credits: Downes Construction.

Lincoln High School Canopy-Façade Project

Lincoln High School embarked on an ambitious enhancement of its main entrance with the Canopy-Façade Project. The goal was to demolish and replace the existing entrance canopy while also making critical repairs to the exterior façade. More than just a cosmetic upgrade, the project underscores a commitment to the safety and satisfaction of students, faculty and visitors. Supported by a budget of $806,000.00. Utilizing the General Contractor (GC) delivery method.

This project will receive at least 50% State reimbursement. The net cost to taxpayers is $403,00.

November 2024 Update

The new main entrance canopy was erected during Summer school break and was open for the return of students on 8/27/24. A new sign above the door entrance is in fabrication and we are finalizing the installation of roof drains for the canopy.

Concurrently, select masonry repairs to the main and upper levels of the High School were addressed along with the painting of the exterior façade to improve both the structural integrity and aesthetic value of the school.

The Northern Elementary School

The Northern Lincoln Elementary School is undergoing significant upgrades as part of a comprehensive, $17,100.000 improvement plan for the facility. Several projects are under way including the upgrade of the overall building and cafeteria heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, the construction of a new gymnasium complete with new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) rooms as well as cafeteria renovations.

In addition to the aforementioned projects, the project scope also includes enhancements to the fire alarm and protection systems, as well as updates to the electrical systems and interior finishes. This approach aims not only to modernize the school but also to elevate its safety and functionality standards.

The building HVAC upgrade is scheduled for substantial completion by August 2025 and the GYM/STEM Additions & Cafeteria upgrade project is scheduled for substantial completion by June 2025.

These projects will receive at least 50% State reimbursement. The net cost to taxpayers is $8,550,000.

November 2024 Update

The cafeteria HVAC upgrade project is substantially completed with a current focus on controls training and commissioning.

The building heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system upgrades are ongoing with a current focus on associated sprinkler head installation and fire alarm rough in work.

The construction of a new gymnasium complete with new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) rooms as well as cafeteria renovations, recently attained RIDE (RI Dept. of Education) approval of the Foundation plan. Initial site excavation and Foundation work is underway.

With these upgrades, Northern Elementary is poised to offer an enhanced educational environment, aligning with contemporary standards and the community's expectations.

Lincoln Central Elementary School

The Lincoln Central Elementary School is undergoing significant upgrades as part of a comprehensive, $8,120,000 improvement plan for the facility. Several projects have been approved including the upgrade of the cafeteria heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the construction of a new gymnasium complete with new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) rooms as well as cafeteria and restroom renovations.

These projects will receive at least 50% State reimbursement. The net cost to taxpayers is $4,060,000.

November 2024 Update

After receiving RIDE (RI Dept. of Education) approval for foundation plans, a ground breaking ceremony was held on October 29, 2024 at Lincoln Central Elementary School to officially announce the commencement of the GYM/STEM Additions & Cafeteria Upgrades for all four elementary schools.

Initial site excavation and Foundation work is underway. The substantial completion for these additions is June 2025.

The cafeteria HVAC upgrade project is ongoing with a current focus on installing the new HVAC Unit at ground level.

The Restroom upgrades were substantially completed prior to school commencing on 8/27. A minor punch list is currently being addressed.

Lonsdale Elementary School

The Lonsdale Elementary School is undergoing significant upgrades as part of a comprehensive, $8,120,000 improvement plan for the facility. Several projects have been approved including the upgrade of the cafeteria heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the construction of a new gymnasium complete with new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) rooms as well as cafeteria and restroom renovations.

These projects will receive at least 50% State reimbursement. The net cost to taxpayers is $4,060,000.

November 2024 Update

The Restroom upgrades were substantially completed prior to school commencing on 8/27. A minor punch list is currently being addressed.

The cafeteria HVAC upgrade project is substantially completed with a current focus on controls training and commissioning.

The construction of a new gymnasium complete with new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) rooms as well as cafeteria renovations, recently attained RIDE (RI Dept. of Education) approval of the Foundation plan.

In lieu of waiting for a complete site drawing design package for all four schools, which would have delayed the start of the site work construction phase, the Design/Build team decided to focus on delivering two school addition design site packages at a time in order to commence site work as quickly as possible. This two part Design/Build drawing package approach ensured the start of site work at Northern and Central (currently ongoing) and allowed for the further development of the required design package for Lonsdale and Saylesville whose site work phase will commence during Winter 2025.

The GYM/STEM Additions & Cafeteria upgrade project is scheduled for substantial completion in June 2025.

Saylesville Elementary School

The Saylesville Elementary School is undergoing significant upgrades as part of a comprehensive, $8,120,000 improvement plan for the facility. Several projects have been approved including the upgrade of the cafeteria heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the construction of a new gymnasium complete with new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) rooms as well as cafeteria and restroom renovations.

These projects will receive at least 50% State reimbursement. The net cost to taxpayers is $4,060,000.

November 2024 Update

The Restroom upgrades were substantially completed prior to school commencing on 8/27. A minor punch list is currently being addressed.

The cafeteria HVAC upgrade project is substantially completed with a current focus on controls training and commissioning.

The construction of a new gymnasium complete with new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) rooms as well as cafeteria renovations, recently attained RIDE (RI Dept. of Education) approval of the Foundation plan.

In lieu of waiting for a complete site drawing design package for all four schools, which would have delayed the start of the site work construction phase, the Design/Build team decided to focus on delivering two school addition design site packages at a time in order to commence site work as quickly as possible. This two part Design/Build drawing package approach ensured the start of site work at Northern and Central (currently ongoing) and allowed for the further development of the required design package for Lonsdale and Saylesville whose site work phase will commence during Winter 2025.

The GYM/STEM Additions & Cafeteria upgrade project is scheduled for substantial completion in June 2025.

Lincoln High School Athletic Field Bathroom Project

A proposed field house incorporating men’s and women’s bathrooms and storage facilities is programmed for the existing physical education/athletic fields at Lincoln High School. These will serve students during physical education classes held outside as well as athletes, visitors, and spectators utilizing the athletic fields. Associated site scope will also be required as well as additional bleachers and a dedicated food truck area (concrete pad) are also part of the design scope.

November 2024 Update

Schematic concept drawings are currently in development and will be reviewed, along with revised pricing in January 2025. Proposed features such as additional bleachers, covered entry, concession stand, safety bollards and several bathroom stalls will make this an exciting addition to the athletic facility.

Lincoln Middle School Distributed Communications (Inter-Comm) Replacement

The existing Lincoln Middle School Distributed Communications (Inter-Comm) System is outdated and can benefit with a new system upgrade that incorporates newer technologies that would bring it to current standards.

September 2024 Update

The new Distributed Communications (Inter-Comm) system was installed over school Summer break. Consisting of new phone handsets, several new ceiling speakers, a system control rack (and associated wiring), the system was tested, commissioned and went live on 8/26/24 thus providing the Lincoln Middle School with a state of the art system to last for the foreseeable future.

Q&A

Use the buttons below to engage with the Q&A section of this page. The first button allows you to submit questions related to all projects, while the second button lets you view questions and responses.

Owner’s Project Manager (OPM)