The Salt Lake City School District Board meeting on December 3, 2024, spotlighted the future of Highland and West High Schools, with officials presenting preferred construction options aimed at enhancing educational facilities while respecting community heritage.

Director of Auxiliary Services Isaac Astell led the discussion, emphasizing the importance of public input, which included over 50 meetings and more than 2,000 questionnaire responses. The board is now poised to make critical decisions on the proposed plans, which aim to balance cost-effectiveness, minimal disruption to students, and sustainability goals.

For Highland High School, the recommended option is a north-side layout that maintains athletic fields and integrates new facilities, with an estimated budget of $295 to $310 million. This plan is designed to minimize disruption during construction, allowing students to remain on campus throughout the process.

West High School's preferred option focuses on a quicker construction timeline, proposing to build on the east side of Third West. This approach aims to preserve the school's historical facade while facilitating a smoother transition for students during renovations. The estimated timeline for completion is approximately three years from groundbreaking, projected for spring 2026.

Board members expressed the necessity of engaging the community throughout the design and construction phases, ensuring that the new facilities meet the needs of students and families. The board plans to hold town hall meetings to gather further input and keep stakeholders informed as the projects progress.

As the Salt Lake School District moves forward with these ambitious plans, the focus remains on creating modern, flexible educational environments that honor the legacy of the existing schools while preparing for future needs.