Two Major Construction Projects Advance

West Ada School District trustees unanimously authorized two significant building initiatives Monday evening: a complete reconstruction of Lake Hazel Elementary School and the transformation of a purchased warehouse into career and technical education facilities.

The decisions address enrollment pressures in specific areas of the district, even as overall student numbers have declined. Officials say both projects will move forward without raising local property taxes.

Lake Hazel Elementary Targets Fall 2027 Opening

The district plans to rebuild Lake Hazel Elementary in south Boise using the same design as Independence Elementary, which opened this fall in Star. Dave Reinhart, director of education services, said the approach will save both time and money.

Officials set an ambitious goal of completing construction within one year for a fall 2027 opening. Reinhart told trustees the district has been clear with architects and contractors about the accelerated timeline and will include it as a contract requirement.

Trustee Rene Ozuna supported the project but questioned whether backup plans exist given the tight schedule. Reinhart confirmed contingency measures are in place.

Trustee David Binetti expressed confidence in the timeline, noting that reusing Independence Elementary’s plans after that school’s successful construction provides a proven blueprint.

Warehouse Conversion Creates New CTE Campus

The board also approved converting a 70,000-square-foot metal warehouse into career and technical education space. West Ada purchased the property from a lumber broker last year for $12.8 million.

The facility will house welding bays, auto mechanics labs, residential construction training areas, and early childhood education programs, among other CTE offerings. Plans call for 60 welding bays, a powersports lab, a construction lab, and multiple classrooms.

Initial construction estimates reached $16.5 million, but district officials reduced the base cost to $12.8 million through value engineering. The board can opt to add additional classrooms and lab space for up to $13.8 million total.

Board Chair Lori Frasure said the project will expand educational pathways for students across the community.

Next Steps and Funding

District administrators will present final cost figures and construction contracts to trustees this fall. Work on the CTE campus is scheduled to begin shortly after approval, with completion targeted for fall 2027.

Both projects will be funded through a combination of state school modernization money from House Bill 521, which created a $1 billion fund in 2024, and the district’s strategic financial planning. No local tax increases are required.

The elementary school rebuild addresses overcrowding on the south side of the district, while the CTE campus expansion responds to growing demand for career and technical education programs among West Ada students.