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Board approves Mercer recommendation to expand satellite campus as path to new Rock Springs High School
Summary
Trustees voted to accept the Mercer recommendation to address adequacy problems at Rock Springs High School, approving a plan that would provide roughly 250,000 square feet of educational space, an additional ~13,000 square feet for CTE areas, and a recommended build cost in the report’s estimate.
The Sweetwater County School District No. 1 board on March 10 approved the Facilities Assessment Authority’s Mercer recommendation to expand the district’s satellite campus as the solution to address adequacy shortfalls at Rock Springs High School.
Presenter “Mister Salaroli” told trustees the Mercer assessment recommends approximately 250,000 square feet of education space and identified an extra 13,000 square feet intended for career and technical education. He said the recommendation is to build a new facility rather than repair the existing building and reported an estimated total build cost in the Mercer summary: “The recommendation is to build new. It's for a hundred and $59,000,000 in change,” he said during his presentation.
The Mercer summary examined three options — repair, rebuild on-site, or build off-site — and projected 20‑year maintenance and replacement costs. Salaroli told the board the Mercer found off‑site construction was slightly less costly in the 20‑year projection than continuing repairs to the current building; the report included lifecycle estimates and enrollment projection methodology intended to produce a 20‑year capacity plan.
What the board approved: a motion to “approve the FAA’s recommendation of the expansion of the satellite high school as the Mercer for addressing the adequacy needs of the current Rock Springs High School.” The motion was moved by Miss Schumacher and seconded by Dr. Franks; the board voice vote approved the motion with no recorded opposition.
Next steps outlined by the presenter include routing the Mercer recommendation to the School Facilities Commission and issuing a request for qualifications for architects; the district plans to select finalists, issue requests for proposals, interview firms and proceed to design once an architect is selected. Salaroli said the Mercer package includes guideline allocations for classrooms, auxiliary facilities, and an allowance that can be used by the district to prioritize ancillary facilities (for example, auditorium, pool, or auxiliary gyms) with district funding for enhancements.
Salaroli noted enrollment projections used in the Mercer considered both long‑range cohort trends and local economic scenarios tied to expected mining activity, and he cautioned the district will need to request any later increase to square footage from legislators if population growth exceeds projections while the project moves through design and construction phases.
Board members discussed timing and community engagement; the board chair said the district will conduct community conversations about ancillary facility priorities and funding over the coming months. No amendments or financing approvals were taken at the March 10 meeting.
