Holliman School was fairly quiet Tuesday. Teachers prepared their classrooms for the students who would arrive. Parents filtered in to get required forms completed, and there was the hum of a power drill as boards were being secured on a platform in the school courtyard. This was work being done by volunteers under the direction of a man who has made giving to the schools his passion.

The courtyard is being transformed from a weed-infested area to an outdoor classroom and place for teachers to meet. There’s plenty of space for young students to play, read and learn, and wheelchair ramps have been added to improve accessibility for everyone. Sitting space has been added to the previously barren planters so students can read their favorite books in the shade. Milk crates that will be outfitted with cushions will also be used for seating. There is a dry erase board and small stage for teachers and removable boards on the walls.

Dean Johnson, candidate for School Committee, plans to have a mural painted on the boards or leave them for art teachers to use with the students. Soon, the area will have new pavement, an effort that Johnson says was spearheaded by Ward 3 Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson. Vella-Wilkinson is running in a primary to represent House District 21.

Johnson said the project, launched by PTA President Latisha Rodas and former PTA member Melanie Cluley, has been in the works for two years. While the approval process was lengthy, Johnson and Holliman Principal Joseph Coffey thank Superintendent Philip Thornton, Director of Elementary Education Lynn Dambruch, and Director of Buildings and Grounds Steven Gothberg for their supportive.

“We’re very pleased to finally see this come to fruition,” said Coffey. He plans to utilize the new area as much as possible, saying it will be good for weather stations and after school activities.

Johnson donated materials and funds to cover the cost of labor to upgrade the space, so the school didn’t have to foot the bill. He even recruited his uncle, Lenny Johnson, to help with construction.

“Even if I lose [Johnson is one of six candidates vying for two at-large seats on the Warwick School Committee], I still get to leave something cool behind,” Johnson says. “This will be used for years.”

The project was never intended to be a rallying point for Johnson’s campaign; he just loves being involved with the school and community.

In 2000, Johnson was traveling home to Rhode Island in the middle of a blizzard when he pulled over to help a family whose car had spun out. While trying to provide assistance, he was struck by an 18-wheeler that could not stop. The family was safe, but Johnson broke his back and lost both legs. He uses a wheelchair to get around, and the accident has never stopped him from remaining an active member of Warwick’s community. The outdoor classroom is only one of many things Johnson has helped provide for the school. He has given the schools many necessities such as flagpoles, tables, message boards and uniforms for Pilgrim High School’s band.

“I think anyone running [for a position] should spend 20 to 40 hours doing community service in the area they want to serve. Get inside these schools, get your hands dirty,” Johnson said Tuesday after wheeling himself down to the school. “I love my city and would do anything for it.”

Inside, Amy Kennett prepared her classroom for the arrival of her 17 first graders.

“I’m really hoping to just have fun with the kids,” she said as she wrote the names of her students on packs of crayons. “If I can make a difference in even one little life, I’ll be happy.”

Kennett, who has worked in Warwick schools for 16 years, said she is also glad to have a smaller, more manageable class this year.

One of Kennett’s students, 6-year-old Tyler Collins, was visiting his new classroom a little early. He found his spot at the table and then pointed out the names of other kids he knows at tables near him. Tyler said he’s excited to come back to school to play “Math Around the World” with his friends and called the new outdoor classroom “really cool.”

His sister Kaylee, 12, also started school this week. She was “nervous” about getting lost on her first day of 7th grade at Warwick Veterans, but liked that some of her classes are in the same hallway.

Their parents, Ed and Jennifer Collins, exchanged friendly conversation and memories with Kennett. Kaylee had Kennett as a teacher before, so the family is “lucky” that Tyler will be able to have her, too. Ed said renovations and transitions at Warwick Veterans seem to be going smoothly, and the whole family appeared to be confident about the school season ahead.

“All we can hope for is happy kids,” added Jennifer.

Happiness is a common denominator among the individuals who worked to prepare Holliman. Between Johnson’s service, Kennett’s work, and involvement from families like the Collins, students there are in for an engaging year.