On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, leaders from the Elko County School District (ECSD), the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, school board trustees, and the design and construction team gathered in Owyhee to review progress on the new Owyhee Combined School.
The visit began at the Tribal Council Chamber, where Shoshone-Paiute Chairman Brian Mason welcomed ECSD Superintendent CJ Anderson, the Board of Trustees, and project leaders for a brief discussion. Together, they celebrated the strong partnership and shared commitment to completing the new K-12 facility, which is currently ahead of schedule.
After the meeting, the group toured the construction site. Concrete has been poured, and blocks are going up. Trustees noted how much progress has been made and asked thoughtful questions about infrastructure and next steps. A group photo was taken with the Business Council, Owyhee Combined School Principal Lynn Manning-John, and construction staff.
The new school is being built on land provided by the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes and will replace the original building, which was constructed in 1952. The current work is being completed by MGM Construction, Inc., and is funded primarily through a $64.5 million state allocation. Additional funding efforts are underway, with the goal of restoring key parts of the original plan, including a career and technical education building, a stadium, and a football field.
Board members expressed their excitement about the project’s impact. Trustee Teresa Dastrup said, “This is an amazing facility and I am so excited at the impact it will have in the community.” Trustee Brooke Ballard added, “I’m so happy for this community,” recognizing the vital role of tribal leadership and community support in moving the project forward.
The Elko County School District continues to collaborate with the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes and other partners to ensure the new Owyhee Combined School is a source of pride and opportunity for students and families for generations to come.