Board accepts preK'2 study, directs superintendent to move forward on new elementary at Pine; Pine temporary closure ordered

Washoe County trustees on Tuesday accepted a consultant'led feasibility study on preK'2 grade configurations and directed the superintendent to implement the recommendation to build new elementary schools at two middle-school sites; the board then voted to initiate a temporary closure of Edward L. (Pine) Middle School to reconstruct the Pine campus as a preK'5 elementary.

"The recommendation, upon tremendous investigation and engagement, is to proceed with the construction of new elementary schools at those locations," Chief Operating Officer Adam Searcy said as he summarized the study and its alignment with the 2023 Facilities Modernization Plan.

Canon Design'led work and a district task force studied the feasibility of converting or reconceiving two middle-school sites (Pine and Trainer) as elementary schools for the surrounding Smithridge, Dodson, Duncan, Lemelson and nearby communities. Paul Mills of Canon Design and Secondary Associate Chief Lauren Ford described a participatory process that included community meetings, peer-district interviews and operational reviews of transportation, staffing, and program access.

The consultants reported four main findings: preK'2 configurations can succeed in some…