CCSD presents Revision 6 of 2015 Capital Improvement Plan amid rising construction costs

The Clark County School District (CCSD) Board of School Trustees convened on March 27, 2025, to discuss significant revisions to the 2015 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), addressing the pressing needs of the district's infrastructure amid rising construction costs and declining student enrollment.

Assistant Superintendent Brandon McLaughlin presented Revision 6 of the CIP, emphasizing the importance of quality learning environments for students and staff. He noted that the district currently faces an estimated $15.3 billion in capital improvement needs, which include critical infrastructure upgrades and the construction of new schools to accommodate growth. However, rising construction costs—up approximately 63% since 2021—have created a substantial funding gap, with about 50% of the district's capital improvement needs currently unfunded.

The meeting highlighted three key factors influencing the revision: economic realities, marketplace saturation, and declining student enrollment. McLaughlin pointed out that while the district had previously projected growth, current trends indicate an average annual decrease of approximately 3,684 students over the next five years. This decline is particularly pronounced in elementary and middle schools, raising concerns about future resource allocation.

In response to these challenges, the board proposed two main recommendations: the construction of a new elementary school in the Sky Canyon area, which is experiencing significant growth, and a one-year pause on all other school construction projects to reassess their strategic alignment with the district's limited capital resources. This pause aims to ensure that future projects align with the outcomes of an ongoing facility master plan, which is set to evaluate the condition of district facilities and identify future needs.

The meeting also addressed community engagement efforts, particularly regarding the proposed construction of a choice high school in the Mountains Edge area, which faced significant opposition from local residents. The board decided to withdraw this recommendation and continue engaging the community to develop a more informed proposal.

As the district navigates these complex issues, the anticipated outcomes of the facility master plan and the strategic pause on construction projects will be crucial in determining how CCSD can effectively allocate its resources and meet the evolving needs of its students and communities. The board plans to keep the public informed and involved throughout this process, with community forums scheduled to begin on April 14, 2025.