The Washoe County School District briefed the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Governing Board on Dec. 11 about its facilities modernization program and rising graduation rates.

President Smith told the board the district is two years into its 2023 facilities modernization program and expects to open a new Vaughn Middle School and a new Stead Elementary School in August 2026. He listed several schools in active design or construction, including Reed High School and Matthews Elementary, and said the district is pursuing repurposing or consolidation options for older school sites. "These projects and these areas will live on in service to our communities," President Smith said, adding the district will work with neighborhoods on reuse plans.

The district also described an administrative facilities modernization study to consider consolidating multiple satellite offices into a single administrative hub for better public service; the district said a design study is expected in the spring and that possible locations include existing district land or the Wooster campus. Board members asked for a more detailed presentation to the RPGB at a future meeting to explain project timelines and funding, with Commissioner Reese requesting a 20-minute slot for the district presentation.

President Smith cited improved governance and a 2023 infusion of state funding as contributing factors to rising graduation rates; he said the district's graduation rate is "around 83 percent" and described investments in staff retention, CTE programs and facilities as part of the improvement.

What happens next: The school district will coordinate with RPGB and jurisdictions on future presentations and community outreach about major school projects and repurposing plans.