TAKING IT TO THE TOP
MIDDLETOWN, RI (MARCH 30, 2026) – The ceremony Friday morning outside the new Middletown Middle High School was about more than just the placing of the final steel beam.
Students, local leaders and those involved seemed to understand the event was the culmination of years of work to get the community the schools it needs — and deserves.
As the white beam was lowered into place and secured by two ironworkers wearing orange hardhats, loud cheers erupted despite the blustery conditions under threatening skies.
“This is an exciting day for Middletown and an exciting day for the kids of Middletown,” Town Council President Paul M. Rodrigues said. “We’re on time and on budget and it’s important that we’ve hit every milestone. I want to thank our construction team and everyone who’s really behind this project. The reason we make decisions like this is because you think about your own family and your own children and the entire Town of Middletown and leaving it better than you found it."
“The placement of this final steel beam symbolizes major progress in the construction phase; but we know there is still much work ahead before completion,” School Committee Chairperson Greg Huet said. “I believe the symbolism in placing the final steel beam is also reflective of the present state of our school district. We are making significant progress, but we know that there is still much work ahead before the job in reaching our lofty academic goals are accomplished.”
For decades, town and school officials have talked about the need to update and improve the school buildings and grounds.
In November 2023, voters gave the go-ahead to an aggressive plan to do just that, with the 211,000-square-foot grade 6-12 school serving as the lynchpin just north of the existing Gaudet Middle School.
At the same time, renovations are underway at the existing Middletown High School building at 130 Valley Road. Once completed and opened for the start of the 2027-2028 school year, that building will be the home to the district’s grade 2-5 program as well as school administrative and maintenance offices. For more, visit https://mdl.town/NYCU-VES online.
Around the corner, Forest Avenue School is being considered for sweeping upgrades, with the Town Council awarding an architectural study of the facility. If approved, the school will become the district’s prekindergarten through first grade learning center. For more, visit https://mdl.town/NYCU-FAS-Improve online.
Serving as master of ceremonies, Superintendent Billy Niemeyer said there were plenty of people to thank.
First and foremost, Niemeyer said the project would never have happened without the support of the Middletown community itself.
The volunteer School Building Committee guiding the effort was critical, as well as the Town Council and School Committee, Niemeyer said.
Project managers Colliers, designers HMFH and DBVW and builders Gilbane also earned high praise along with all the tradespeople and everyone who’s contributed to making Friday’s event a success, he added. For regular work updates on the new school and more, visit https://mdl.town/SBC online.
“This Topping Off Ceremony dates back centuries with roots in Scandinavian construction, where builders completed the highest point of a structure, they’d place a tree — or a branch — atop the building as a sign of respect for the materials, the workers and the community the structure would serve,” Niemeyer said. “This school is going to be a beacon for us in Middletown.”
Before the beam went up, students who would be attending the new school were invited to sign the beam with permanent magic markers. Signatures and sayings decorated the metal everywhere, the pride and excitement shining through.
Representing Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, Middletown native George “Andy” Andrade said Friday’s event was part of a drive across the state to improve education. Andrade serves as the RIDE’s Special Assistant to the Commissioner and Liaison to the Board of Education.
Sharing some data, Andrade said the Middletown Middle High School was one of a “school construction surge” across the state. Since 2018, Andrade said Rhode Island has approved $5.5 billion dollars to upgrade and modernize schools throughout The Ocean State.
“I drive by this every single day and see the progress is amazing,” Andrade said. “This is what’s possible when the state and the local communities of Rhode Island work together…As a state, we’re focused on transformation, not temporary fixes.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Top
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
Public Affairs Officer
401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.gov