Lewiston School Committee member Paul Beauparlant signs his name Monday to the final beam that will be hoisted into place next week for the new addition to Lewiston High School. The signing ceremony was held  in front of the school. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal Buy this Photo

LEWISTON — The final steel beam of the Lewiston High School addition was signed by school officials, students and staff Monday in a ceremony at the site.

A section of the beam for the featured image in the package. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal Buy this Photo

The bright blue beam, featuring the word “Welcome” in many languages, will be lifted into place next week to adorn the new front entrance.

Construction on the $13.4 million arts and education wing began in August. It is set to end on time and on budget, expansion committee member Karen McClure-Richard wrote in an email.

In a presentation to the School Committee in May 2020, architects from the Boston-based company Lavallee Brensinger showed photos of bright, open lobby spaces and classrooms.

Committee member Bruce Damon, who served on the expansion committee, said the new wing would address “serious deficiencies in the building, including security issues.”

The entrance will be overseen by a front-desk employee who will have a full view of the lobby. The doors will lock once classes begin, and people will have to be let in through a side entrance.

The two-story addition includes nine general purpose classrooms and a drama room on the upper floor, with art and music classrooms on the ground floor.

An arts center, including an auditorium, was planned when the school was built 45 years ago, but it was cut to lower costs.