Board approves temporary closure of North Park Elementary for two school years; students to relocate to Westridge

The Sweetwater County School District #1 Board of Trustees approved a motion April 14 to temporarily close North Park Elementary for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 school years so the district can complete major renovations and repairs. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Trustee Dr. Franks moved the closure; Trustee Miss Wood seconded. Chair Wright called for the ayes and recorded no opposition. Trustees instructed staff to relocate North Park students and staff into Westridge for the two school years and to move students back into the renovated North Park at the start of the 2027–28 school year.

District facilities staff explained the extended timeline stems from mechanical and roof work that requires engineering, long lead times for equipment, and potential transformer upgrades. The facilities update described an aging cooling system — a large evaporative cooler — that must be replaced and noted industry delays on equipment procurement and transformer lead times that can extend project schedules. Officials said North Park’s building footprint differs from the district’s standard school model, which adds design complexity.

During discussion a board member confirmed North Park was built about 42 years ago and staff noted the unique footprint requires bespoke engineering and roofing work. The board approved the closure and relocation motion after the facilities explanation and trustee questions.

Staff will next pursue engineering, bidding for roof and mechanical replacements, and scheduling to coordinate students’ move back into the renovated facility in 2027–28. The board did not provide a detailed cost estimate during the meeting; trustees noted equipment procurement timelines and potential tariff impacts as drivers of schedule risk.