Board approves change of use for Kate Smith Elementary amid community objections; trustees ask for more outreach

The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees voted 5–1 on Sept. 23 to approve a change of use for Kate Smith Elementary School, clearing the way for district staff to pursue repurposing the site as part of the district’s facilities modernization plan.

The motion approved the administrative regulation process to reclassify the property for a different district or community purpose effective in the 2027–28 school year. Trustees who supported the item said the change aligns with long‑range facilities planning that recommends trade‑up modernization where small, under‑utilized schools are merged or replaced. Trustees who opposed the change said the community was not sufficiently informed before the decision and asked for better outreach and transition planning.

Public comment and concerns

Dozens of parents, teachers and community members spoke at the meeting. Speakers described Kate Smith as a small, close‑knit neighborhood school with awards and specialized programs — including a governor’s STEM designation and strong PBIS and MTSS work — and urged the board to delay or reconsider the change of use. Parents and staff said they were surprised by the timing and that some families learned about the change through newspaper coverage rather than direct district communication. Staff and parents asked for guarantees about staffing, student placement, transportation and how the district would preserve community history and services tied to the school.

District response and next steps

Facilities staff said the school is among the district’s smallest (reported enrollment about 197 students) and that the move is consistent with the board‑adopted Facilities Modernization Plan (FMP). Tammy Zimmerman, chief facilities management officer, said staff will undertake a transparent community engagement process to explore repurposing options — examples discussed included youth programming (Boys & Girls Club), district early‑childhood and special programs, and nonprofit partnerships — and will respect community ties to the Kate Smith name. She also said the district’s Zoning Advisory Committee had recommended rezoning the Kate Smith attendance area to Bernice Matthews Elementary as a tentative plan subject to board action; zoning itself will be brought to a future meeting.

Board vote and dissents

Trustee J.J. Phoenix moved approval; Trustee Diane Nicolette seconded. The motion passed 5–1. Trustee Colleen Westlake cast the lone “no” vote and urged the district to slow the process and increase local engagement.

Why it matters

The decision advances the facilities modernization plan but also highlights the trade‑offs school districts face when declining enrollment and building maintenance costs collide with community attachment to neighborhood schools. Trustees asked staff for clearer communications, more robust local meetings, and assurances about student placement and personnel transitions.

Quote

"Change is difficult," Chief Facilities Management Officer Tammy Zimmerman told the board. "We intend to keep the legacy of Kate Smith in name and in that community and will work with families and staff in a transparent process about repurposing options."