CHEYENNE — Laramie County School District 1 (LCSD1) took a significant step forward in the construction of a new Arp Elementary School during a board meeting on Monday night, approving a contract with Stasis Design P.C. for design, architectural, and engineering services, as well as construction administration.

“I think we should have confetti,” said newly elected trustee Barbara Cook, showing her excitement at the meeting. “This is an exciting moment.”

Since the fall of 2023, students at Arp Elementary have been displaced due to the condition of the building, which was originally constructed in 1961. Rebuilding Arp Elementary has been part of the district’s long-term plan since the early 2000s.

Thanks to the findings of a controversial Most Cost Effective Remedy (MCER) study, which recommended rebuilding Arp, the district has secured state funds to begin construction.

The district’s selection committee chose Stasis Design P.C. after reviewing six firms, based on their “qualifications, project team approach, and design experience,” according to the board's agenda packet.

The total funding for the project, which is capped at $2,887,387, will come from the State Construction Department and the School Facilities Division Capital Construction Funds. However, this budget does not include costs for demolition and remediation at the existing facility, which will need separate funding through the Wyoming Legislature’s 2026 budget session if there are no leftover funds for that purpose.

Facilities Director Andy Knapp highlighted the importance of this project, stating, “This has been months, even years of hard work and dedication... This isn’t just a project, but I think it’s a vision and testament to the collective efforts, innovation, and passion of LCSD1.”

The 100% design documents are expected to be completed by February 2026, with bidding to follow. There will also be a “charrette design” phase, where community input will help influence nonstructural aspects of the design, including color schemes and mascot selection.

Arp students will temporarily be housed at the former Eastridge Elementary facility until construction is completed. The new Arp Elementary building is projected to open in the fall of 2028.

Despite the excitement around the new school, some community members have voiced frustration over the MCER study's broader implications. The study’s recommendations include the closure of several schools over the next decade, a move that has sparked widespread opposition. Parents have criticized the study for not sufficiently considering alternatives that would preserve schools like Arp while still addressing maintenance needs.

Parent and former teacher Murphy Booth expressed her concerns to the board, saying, “This isn’t about Arp anymore... It’s about doing the right thing, and it is so much bigger than that.”

Booth urged the board to focus on restoring community trust and to take a more transparent approach moving forward. She cited concerns about a recent edited video of district meetings, which some residents believe shows the district was intentionally closing schools to save money long-term.

The district continues to stand by the MCER process, asserting that it was the most cost-effective way to address long-term building maintenance. Mary Quast, LCSD1 Community Relations Director, reiterated that while the district is optimistic about the project moving forward, the outcome of the ongoing lawsuit related to the MCER could impact the project’s timeline.

The lawsuit, filed by two parents, challenges the MCER study’s recommendations, including the proposed school closures. A decision in favor of the petitioners could prevent the state from moving forward with the allocated funding for Arp Elementary’s replacement, potentially delaying the project.

As the construction of the new Arp Elementary School progresses, the district is committed to working with the community and ensuring the best outcome for all students.

State’s Role‍

The state’s funding for the project is vital in addressing aging school infrastructures. If the court rules against the MCER, it could impact funding for other facilities in the district, particularly in the South Triad.

Community Involvement

The design process includes a collaborative approach with the local community. Teachers, students, and parents will have the opportunity to be actively involved in shaping the future of their new school.

Long-Term Vision‍

The new school will not only provide a modern facility but will serve as a beacon of progress for the district. It aligns with LCSD1’s goals of providing safe and effective learning environments for all students. The new Arp Elementary is expected to serve as a model for future school projects across the state.

Originally reported Ivy Secrest Wyoming Tribune Eagle in Wyoming News.