Westside Community Schools leaders, educators, and neighbors unveiled the newly constructed Swanson Elementary School on August 12, 2019. The facility at 410 S. 86th St. was built over an 18 month span, replacing the iconic Swanson School constructed in 1958.

The new Swanson Elementary is 54,000 square feet and cost an estimated $13.4 million. Westside voters approved construction as part of a 2015 bond issue, funding $79.9 million in facilities improvements throughout Westside Community Schools. The original Swanson Elementary was razed after the 2017-2018 school year to make way for a new building, which includes a separate cafeteria and gymnasium, dedicated elective classroom space, improved drop off and pick up access, upgraded security and entrance vestibules, improved ADA access, and the construction of a FEMA-rated storm shelter. The project was completed on time and on budget and opened to students August 14, on the first day of the 2019-2020 school year for Westside Community Schools.

“This state-of-the-art facility exemplifies why we are Westside Community Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Lucas. “We have a community of current and former parents, neighbors, and educators who unite together to ensure we are providing excellent, safe environments for future generations of learners. I can’t wait to see what our teachers and students achieve through this new school!”