County approves $1 million to improve Sherwood road access to Pinon Elementary and nearby amenities

Los Alamos County Council voted unanimously June 24 to disburse $1,000,000 to Los Alamos Public Schools for a capital improvement project to upgrade the Sherwood road that provides access to Pinon Elementary School and nearby community amenities.

Jennifer Guy, representing Los Alamos Public Schools, told the council the district is nearing completion of new buildings at Pinon and Chamisa and requested the budgeted county funds be released for road work. "We greatly appreciate the county's ongoing support annually to the school district," Guy said, and asked that the county portion be used to "update the road that is on Sherwood going up to the backside of Pinon Elementary School." She said the work would improve safety and access to the new gym, pickleball courts and trailheads behind the school.

Council members asked about construction impacts and outreach. Guy said there are currently localized impacts to parking near the pickleball courts but that the construction company is coordinating to minimize disruptions and the district expects to complete the work in July. The district said it will notify parents, post updates on its construction web page, work with county roads staff, and—if needed—distribute flyers to nearby streets.

Guy also updated the council on demolition of the old Pinon building, saying abatement reports are being finalized and that the old buildings will be taken down in phases as abatement completes; Chamisa's demolition is expected early this fall.

Councilor Herman moved approval of the disbursement; Councilor Neil Clinton seconded. A roll call recorded unanimous approval (7-0). The district offered councilors a tour of the new Pinon building, likely in early August.

The council action authorized release of the $1,000,000 identified in the county's current fiscal-year budget to Los Alamos Public Schools for the described capital improvements and site access work.