Board approves change-of-use plan for four elementary sites as part of facility modernization
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Summary
Trustees approved administrative-regulation change-of-use for Roger Corbett, Veterans Memorial, Edwin S. Dodson and Smithridge elementaries (staggered effective years) to support the district's facility modernization plan; principals and community members voiced both support and requests to preserve community assets such as a greenhouse.
The Washoe County School District board on Nov. 18 approved change-of-use designations for a set of elementary sites included in the district's Facility Modernization Plan, enabling staff to proceed with repurposing work and related design and bidding efforts.
Chief Facilities Officer Tammy Zimmerman said the proposals align with long-range modernization and repurposing plans for adjacent sites and outlined next steps for design and community engagement. The action covers Roger Corbett Elementary and Veterans Memorial Elementary (effective for the 2027-28 school year) and Edwin S. Dodson and Smithridge Elementary schools (effective for the 2028-29 school year), reflecting a staged implementation tied to construction timelines.
Principal Joseph Pazar of Roger Corbett, who spoke during public comment, acknowledged that the plan is difficult for the community but said the decision will enable a comprehensive investment in the neighborhood: "I'm here to say as much as it pains me to think of Roger Corbett ending... I know this is right. I know it's the right move for our students to get the zoning right the first time to invest in the area more broadly with a comprehensive plan," he said and described instructional gains at Corbett.
Community commenters urged the district to preserve a historic greenhouse and orchard space adjacent to a site and asked for staff engagement with neighborhood groups before any demolition or repurposing. Tammy Zimmerman and trustees said community meetings and further planning would follow and noted a recently engaged consulting firm will aid communications and iteration.
Vice President Mayberry moved the change-of-use approval under Administrative Regulation 7087 and NRS Chapter 393; Clerk Woodley seconded and the motion carried 7-0.
Next steps: Facilities staff will begin repurposing planning and community outreach and coordinate with strategy consultants to identify internal and external reuses, including potential district program needs and community partner opportunities.
