Washington Unified

We are excited to share that the Elkhorn Village School Modernization Project is advancing faster than originally expected! While the project was initially projected to finish midway through the 2026–27 school year, the construction partners and District team have worked diligently to accelerate progress. Thanks to their extraordinary effort and collaboration, the modernized campus will now reopen for students and staff on the first day of school, August 5, 2026!

 

While most of the campus will be complete and ready for use, one final element, the kitchen and a portion of the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR), will be finished in mid-September. The WUSD Food Services Department will continue meal service without interruption, delivering meals to campus and utilizing Building F (the second MPR) and a new outdoor eating area near the library to ensure smooth operations.

 

Furniture move-in and classroom setup are planned for July 16-29, ahead of staff’s return on July 28, allowing time for preparation and setup before the first day of school. Principal Jose Gutierrez and the Elkhorn Village staff are also preparing opportunities for employees, students, and families to visit the new site before the fall semester begins.

 

This early opening marks a major milestone in WUSD’s commitment to modern, high-quality learning environments, made possible through the investment, partnership, and support of our West Sacramento community.

 

While our initial goal was to welcome students and staff back to a fully modernized campus in August 2026, several factors have influenced the project schedule. Due to ongoing market volatility, particularly in the areas of steel pricing and tariffs, construction bids came in higher than anticipated. In response, our project team undertook a robust Value Engineering process, identifying over $2 million in cost savings without compromising the project's quality.

 

To ensure all construction activities, final inspections, and preparations are completed to the highest standards, we have adjusted the anticipated reopening of Elkhorn Village School to January 2027, after the 2026 winter break. This revised timeline enables us to provide a safe, modern, and welcoming environment for our students and staff, with sufficient time for move-in and setup.

 

We recognize that this change may require families and staff to adjust their plans, and we sincerely appreciate your flexibility and understanding. Our top priority remains the safety, well-being, and educational experience of our students. By taking the necessary time to complete the project thoroughly, we are investing in a campus that will serve our community for generations to come.

 

The total construction cost is set at $55,290,446, funded through the Measure Z bond program. While this represents an increase from previous estimates, the district’s careful financial planning ensures that the project will be completed without impacting other key initiatives, such as the Performing Arts Center.