The new elementary school will end up costing taxpayers less than half of what was originally estimated in 2018: only 38 cents per $1,000 of assessed home value, rather than 82 cents.

That means the average single-family homeowner will pay $116.20 toward the school annually, rather than $211.61, as was first estimated. (The value of the average family home in Wareham has increased significantly since 2018, from $258,143 to $304,950.)

Those savings came from several factors: Superintendent Kimberly Shaver-Hood approved a plan that would see the school finished in October, rather than for a September opening, which increased the number of bidders.

And the project went out for bids right at the start of the covid pandemic, when many thought the country was on the verge of economic collapse. 

For that reason, the town was also able to secure loans at interest rates significantly lower than projected in 2018. 

“All the stars seemed to align just right,” said one Finance Committee member at an Aug. 25 meeting.

The school’s cost per square foot is an anomaly among projects in Massachusetts, said Chad Crittendon, the project manager. He said that feat is especially impressive given that the school’s budget included technology, a large parking lot and a number of sports fields.

The school is also an investment built to last for at least 50 years. The roof, for instance, has a 30-year warranty, and the terrazzo flooring installed throughout the school can last for decades.

“Every time I walk through there I get more and more excited, and I can’t wait until we can get our students there,” Shaver-Hood said.

The building is set to be substantially complete in October. Students will likely return from winter break in January 2022 to classes at the new school.

“I think Wareham can be proud of the personnel and the building,” said Finance Committee Chair Bernie Pigeon.