Washoe County School District launches countywide transformation plan

The Washoe County School District (WCSD) in Reno, Nevada published its countywide Facility Modernization Plan (FMP) in 2023. It's a 15‐year strategic plan for operational improvements and capital projects that provides a roadmap for equitably prioritizing and implementing public school facility projects countywide. The vision: a quality school for every student, regardless of where they live.

Commissioned by WCSD, the FMP was developed by the CannonDesign team in collaboration with our partners — IN2 Architects, GIS LLC and Changing Dynamics — over 100 school stakeholders and input from over 3,000 actively engaged community members.

Following an extensive review and approval process, the first phase of the FMP is now underway with the first six schools entering the design phase. This launch marks the beginning of consecutive actions that will decisively transform the entire district into a re‐designed portfolio of efficient and better‐resourced schools. Informed by a transparent, data-driven planning process, the FMP aims to resolve educational inequities through revitalizing the school buildings in Washoe County’s diverse neighborhoods. 

The FMP will inform the key drivers of district performance, including the number, size, location and grade configuration of schools. It will also deliver flexible, fully equipped classrooms that align with WCSD design standards and support best practices in modern, student‐centered instruction and learning, as well as specialized facilities for programs that serve the unique needs of WCSD’s most vulnerable populations. 

When fully implemented, the FMP will provide equitable access to quality facilities and educational programs, remove barriers to student opportunities, inform capital decisions that maximize available budget for teachers and programs, and include students, staff and community members in the ongoing decision-making process.