West Ada School District in Idaho Approves Lake Hazel Elementary Rebuild and CTE Warehouse Conversion
The West Ada School District in Idaho moved forward with two significant construction projects Monday night, as trustees voted to authorize design, bidding, and project development for a complete rebuild of Lake Hazel Elementary in Boise and the conversion of a large vacant warehouse into career and technical education (CTE) facilities. Both projects are expected to open in the fall of 2027, and district officials say neither will require a tax increase for Ada County residents.
Growing Pockets in a Large District Drive Construction Push
West Ada, Idaho’s largest school district, has seen overall enrollment decline in recent years — but that trend masks significant growth in specific pockets of the sprawling district. School overcrowding has emerged as a pressing concern in certain areas, prompting the board to act on two fronts simultaneously.
On the west side, the district recently addressed capacity issues with the new Independence Elementary, set to open this fall in Star. Now trustees are turning their attention to the south side of the district, where Lake Hazel Elementary in Boise requires a full rebuild rather than renovation.
To control costs and accelerate the timeline, the district will reuse the same architectural design used for Independence Elementary. Dave Reinhart, director of education services, said the approach saves both time and money while maintaining quality. “Our goal — and it’s an aggressive goal — is to get to work on this tomorrow and press towards a fall of ’27 opening,” Reinhart said, according to reporting by Idaho EdNews.
Trustee Rene Ozuna expressed full support for the project while acknowledging the challenge ahead. “I can’t even imagine us really building a school in a year, but that’s super exciting,” Ozuna said. Reinhart noted that contractors will be informed of the timeline upfront as part of the bidding requirements, and contingency plans will remain in place.
Trustee David Binetti expressed confidence the district can meet the goal, pointing to Independence Elementary as a blueprint. “Boy, that’s just a win, win, win,” Binetti said of reusing the design to increase quality and reduce delays. Enrollment fluctuations have been a topic across Treasure Valley school districts, making strategic capital planning increasingly important for families and taxpayers alike.
Warehouse Conversion Creates New CTE Campus
The second project converts a 70,000-square-foot metal warehouse in Meridian — purchased last year from a lumber broker for $12.8 million — into a dedicated career and technical education campus. The unanimous vote Monday night moved the project from concept to construction planning.
The converted facility will include a powersports lab, a construction lab, 60 welding bays, and classroom space supporting CTE programs in welding, auto mechanics, residential construction, and early childhood education, among others.
Reinhart said the initial construction estimate came in at $16.5 million, but through “value engineering” the district brought the base cost down to $12.8 million. The board retains the option to expand classrooms and lab space for an additional cost, bringing the potential total to $13.8 million.
Board Chair Lori Frasure praised the project as a community asset. “I think it’s beyond exciting,” Frasure said of the opportunities the new facility will create for students. West Ada has been planning a Career Technical Education expansion targeting a 2027 opening, and Monday’s vote marks a key milestone in that effort.
Impact on Ada County Residents and Taxpayers
District officials were clear that both projects will be completed without raising taxes on Ada County property owners. Funding comes from House Bill 521, a measure that created a $1 billion school modernization fund in 2024, combined with the district’s own strategic financial planning reserves.
For families on the south side of Boise, the Lake Hazel rebuild addresses years of capacity strain in a neighborhood school. For students across the district interested in skilled trades and technical careers, the CTE warehouse conversion represents one of the most significant expansions of hands-on learning facilities in West Ada’s recent history.
What Comes Next
The district will bring final construction prices and contracts before the board this fall for both projects. Construction is expected to begin shortly after board approval, with both the rebuilt Lake Hazel Elementary and the new CTE campus targeting a fall 2027 opening. Residents and parents who want to follow project updates can monitor West Ada School District board meeting agendas through the district’s official website. Board meetings are typically held in Meridian and are open to the public.