GSD Future

Capital Construction Budget/Tax Snapshot – October 2026

Luke Allen — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 15:23:03 +0000

Facility Maintenance Fund

In fiscal year 2027, approximately $23.0 million in districtwide general maintenance and operations expenditures will be funded through the restricted Capital Fund, which includes nearly $1.0 million in additional capital tax levy revenue specifically earmarked to address deferred maintenance needs throughout the district. This was all made possible by the tax increase that was approved by the board in August 2026. This maintenance fund has not increased in over 30 years despite ongoing challenges with escalating costs to maintain the oldest school buildings (on average) in the State of Utah. We continue to use our pay-as-you-go model to rebuild and remodel our facilities. This facility maintenance helps offset much needed updates such as playground equipment, carpet, and HVAC systems in our buildings that are not slated for rebuild.

Pay-as-you-Go Rebuild/Remodel

As a reminder for District patrons, Granite School District’s pay-as-you-go model is a long-term strategy for funding school facility improvements while reducing the need for future voter-approved bonds. Adopted as part of the district’s 2017 capital/construction strategy, the approach was designed to address a significant backlog of aging school buildings. The plan combined an initial bond to fund major construction projects with a commitment to save for additional projects using property tax revenue. Rather than reducing the capital tax levy as bond payments are paid off, the district retains that revenue and redirects it toward its capital fund.

As existing bonds are paid off, the revenue previously used for debt service is transferred to the capital/construction levy, allowing the district to save up funds to pay for future construction and renovations without incurring new debt. Under this model, the district must have the money available before beginning projects funded through pay-as-you-go. Those funds are intended to support a 40-year list of facility improvements, including school rebuilds and remodels. The long-term goal is to create a sustainable funding source for capital/construction needs that could eliminate the need for significant tax increases in the future, while maintaining the district’s commitment to address aging facilities.

GTI Remodel

Luke Allen — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:21:00 +0000

Granite Technical Institute (GTI) received a $5 million APEX grant from the State of Utah to develop a new hospitality and tourism center, featuring what is planned to be Utah’s first student-led restaurant and event center of its kind. The project will provide students with hands-on, real-world experience in a professional setting, bringing together multiple programs, including culinary arts, finance, and graphic design. Students will help operate both the restaurant and event center, with an adult event manager providing oversight.

The goal is to create a proficiency-based, career-focused learning environment where students gain practical experience managing the operations of a hospitality business, from food preparation and service to event management and financial operations. The center is intended to become self-sustaining, and construction was anticipated to support an opening in fall 2027.

Taylorsville High School Expansion – October 2026 Update

Luke Allen — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:21:14 +0000

Construction will begin in December of 2026 on a new wing, remodeled student commons space, and other upgrades. The Taylorsville High addition and remodel will consist of approximately 48,000 new square feet with another approximately 30,000 square feet of remodeled space intended to alleviate over-crowding and use of relocatables. This includes a security vestibule which opens into the new administrative offices. A new two-story addition that will house 20 general classrooms with additional restrooms in that wing. Improvements include remodeled special education classrooms, with new dance and weight rooms in the athletic area of the building. Remodeled career and counseling center in the space that the main office currently resides. Construction is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2029.

West Kearns Elementary Site – October 2026 Update

Luke Allen — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:12:09 +0000

Demolition of the previous school building is nearly complete. Construction on the new building will begin in January 2027 and is anticipated to run through December 2028.

The design of this new school stems from the South Kearns and Olene Walker Elementary Schools. Many of the same characteristics will be present in the new building, which will help the rebuild save on time and costs. The building will be a two-story structure, approximately 94,000 square feet. It will include site security fencing and a secure vestibule into the front of the school and administrative suite. The second story will house the Media Center and the teacher collaboration hub. The main level will have a small food pantry and family engagement center. There will be 36 classrooms including special education spaces in addition to a kitchen, cafeteria, gym and multipurpose space. The building is anticipated to hold a little over 800 students.

Skyline High Construction Update August 2026

Luke Allen — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:59:00 +0000

Interior Work:

Teachers were given access to set up classrooms.
Classroom desks and chairs have been installed.
Stage floor was painted and is awaiting its final coat.
Auditorium sound system installation is underway.
Auditorium carpet installation is nearly complete.

Exterior Work:

Curb and gutter work at the main entrance iscomplete.
Road base has been placed, with asphalt pavingunderway.
Concrete sidewalks and surrounding plaza areas arecomplete.
Landscaping work continues.
Preschool playground equipment and thesurrounding security fencing is complete.

Building Compliance:

Granite School District issued a TemporaryCertificate of Occupancy to allow outside vendorsand GSD personnel in the building to perform theirremaining work.

Construction Updates August 2026

Luke Allen — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:56:07 +0000

West Kearns Elementary Demolition

Luke Allen — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:53:52 +0000

Demolition has begun on the old West Kearns Elementary building. A new building will be constructed on the same property. Click here for more updates.