The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees approved a $21,900,000 allocation on Jan. 13 to fund major projects recommended by the Capital Funding Protection Committee: construction‑phase funding for Virginia Palmer Elementary and design‑phase funding for the modernization of Libby Booth Elementary.

Chief Operating Officer Adam Searcy briefed trustees on the projects’ origins in the 2023 Facility Modernization Plan and the district’s plan to align modernization and reconstruction schedules with neighborhood rezoning and planned school closures. For Palmer, staff intend to deliver the project through a construction manager at risk (CMAR) delivery to manage complexity on an active campus and aim for completion ahead of the 2027–28 school year. For Booth, staff recommended a more limited design investment now with plans to minimize near‑term infrastructure that would be demolished when a full reconstruction proceeds later.

Trustees asked about HVAC work, playground phasing and whether existing classrooms would receive upgrades; staff said some restrooms and furnishings would be updated, HVAC had been upgraded previously at the site, and that construction would be phased to preserve play access and minimize disruption. Student Representative Maya Hartley emphasized that modernized spaces can influence student behavior and engagement.

Trustee JJ Phoenix moved approval of the recommended package; Trustee Alex Woodley seconded. The board approved the $21.9 million package unanimously.

Staff said contracts and consultant agreements against the authorized budget will return to the board for approval and that community outreach and engagement — including translated materials and neighborhood meetings — will continue as design work advances.