Washoe County School Board Approves $15.29M for Bernice Matthews Elementary Modernization

The Washoe County School District (WCSD) Board of Trustees convened on August 26, 2025, to discuss significant modernization projects and funding allocations for local schools. The meeting began with a motion by Trustee Woodley to approve a guaranteed maximum price of $14,045,136 for Core West Incorporated, acting as the construction manager at risk for the Bernice Matthews Elementary School modernization project. This motion included an owner's contingency of $1,245,000, bringing the total to $15,290,136. The motion received unanimous approval from the board.

Following this, the board moved to discuss the North Valleys High School modernization project. Facilities Management Officer Tammy Zimmerman presented a recommendation from the Capital Funding Protection Committee regarding funding for information technology device refresh and design funding for the Sparks High School modernization project. This project aims to honor the historic significance of Sparks High School while engaging the community and alumni in the planning process. The board plans to issue a request for qualifications for an architect in August 2025, with pre-design work expected to begin in January 2026.

The discussion then shifted to the North Valleys High School project, which had been a topic of community outreach. The community expressed a preference for an addition to the existing high school rather than constructing a smaller facility in Cold Springs. The board is considering various modernization elements, including a secure single point of entry and improved library access. They are seeking $16,500,000 in design phase funding for this project, which is already included in the Capital Improvement Plan.

The timeline for the North Valleys High School project includes hiring a construction manager at risk in January 2026, with design work continuing until October 2026. The board anticipates starting construction in April 2027, aligning with the school calendar to minimize disruption.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the WCSD's commitment to enhancing educational facilities through community involvement and strategic planning, ensuring that modernization efforts meet the needs of current and future students.