Empty School Buildings and What Comes Next

Reno News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 26, 2026 · 1m

Washoe County School District is confronting a new dilemma: what to do with six empty school buildings as enrollment drops and new campuses open. Facing a surplus of space, the district is exploring options like selling, leasing, or repurposing properties — starting with the historic Stead Elementary, set to close after a new school opens in 2026. Once they invested billions to combat overcrowding, they’re now navigating the opposite challenge, managing the process in-house to save costs and ensure transparency. Community input and public proposals will shape decisions, with more schools…