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- calendar_today October 27, 2026
Construction Funding and New School Proposals
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees is set to address a range of school construction and facility modernization projects at its upcoming meeting scheduled for October 27, 2026. Key items include the consideration of nearly $21 million in construction spending agreements for new and existing educational facilities.
New Elementary School at Pine Middle School Site
At the forefront of the agenda is the approval of a nearly $6.6 million construction agreement with CORE Construction for building a new elementary school at the Edward L. Pine Middle School site. Two related agreements for this new elementary school are also up for consideration, including a $1.7 million contract with Van Woert Bigotti Architects for architectural services and a $407,000 agreement with Eastern Sierra Engineering for materials testing and inspections.
Facility Modernization and Renovation Projects
The board will review several other proposals aimed at school renovation and facility modernization. These include:
- A $6.34 million design agreement with Collaborative Design Studio for the modernization project at Sparks High School.
- A $6.2 million agreement with Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects for reconstruction services at Sparks Middle School.
- $185,000 for H+K Architects to handle construction administration for the Libby Booth Elementary School modernization project.
- $211,642 with Sage Construction to upgrade the Edison Building’s north training room.
Traner Middle School Closure and Repurposing Plans
One significant item on the agenda is the proposed temporary closure of Fred W. Traner Middle School. If approved, Traner would close at the end of the 2028-29 school year to undergo reconstruction as a prekindergarten through fifth-grade school. The new facility is expected to open for the 2030-31 school year.
The board will also consider beginning the repurposing process for Glenn Duncan, Dorothy Lemelson, and Rita Cannan elementary schools at the conclusion of the 2029-30 school year. The district staff report suggests that consolidating students into newer, modernized, and appropriately sized facilities could enhance educational opportunities, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and free up additional resources for students and teachers. The agenda does not specify future uses for these three campuses at this time.
Additional Facility and Maintenance Contracts
The consent agenda for the meeting also includes renewal and approval of several maintenance and supply contracts:
- One-year irrigation repair services renewal estimated at $275,000.
- One-year emergency roof repair and maintenance renewal estimated at $120,000.
- A proposed increase of $68,000 to the elevator maintenance and repair contract, bringing the total to $165,000.
- $124,145 for print shop supplies.
- $204,259 for a one-year renewal of My Professional Growth System, the district's online professional learning and evaluation platform.
Recognition and Meeting Details
The meeting agenda also features the upcoming presentation of the Teachers of Tomorrow 2026 District Impact Award for Excellence in Supporting Teachers.
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees will hold the meeting at 2 p.m. on October 27, 2026, in the board room at 425 E. Ninth St., Reno. Board materials indicate a strong focus on educational facilities, construction funding, and the strategic use and modernization of district properties.
Source: thisisreno.com.
