The KCSD School Board created a task force of 18 community members to provide a recommendation to the board regarding the best option for improving the learning environment for students currently at Northstar Elementary. The task force had considered the following options: Completely renovate the current building Build a new building at the VA District Construct a new building at the current Northstar location, then demolish the old building The final recommendation to the school board was to build a new school in the VA District and then sell the current building for redevelopment. → SEE THE FACILITY ASSESSMENT REPORT

The task force reviewed a thorough facilities assessment that had been completed by Boyd Jones and Alvine Engineering in 2024. The assessment indicates that the repairs to the building would be almost as costly as a new building, with a shorter life expectancy than a new building. Taking this into consideration, the task force recommended a new building as the best use of taxpayer dollars.

KCSD has invested more than $527,000 since 2019 for basic maintenance and projects at Northstar Elementary. As the building ages, it becomes more costly to maintain. Some systems necessary for operating a public school are difficult to replace, as the cost and scope would require the entire building to be brought up to current safety codes. The question becomes: "Is the cost of maintenance a reasonable investment, or would it make more sense to invest in a new building that is more efficient?"

A new elementary school would be constructed on undeveloped property located within the Veterans District. The City of Knoxville and Marion County have partnered to develop the 152-acre site. Current plans include several residential neighborhoods being established in the next 20 years.

That’s a great question! KCSD is open to ideas and interested in gathering community input. Should we keep the name Northstar Elementary? Should we honor the VA District and create something related to the new development? Should we consider something more neutral? This will be one of the design phase topics if the November referendum is approved by voters.

Northstar would not be demolished by the school district. Current plans are for the property to be sold, allowing the building to continue serving the Knoxville community in a new manner, such as senior or multi-family housing. Redevelopment of Northstar will also add taxable value to Knoxville, rather than maintaining a public building that currently generates no taxable value. The redevelopment value of the Northstar campus could become one of the largest long-term economic benefits from the proposed project.

The target size for the new school would be approximately 73,000 square feet. The current Northstar Elementary is 45,000 square feet. One of the primary reasons for the difference is the addition of a gymnasium, which the current school does not have.

No, the building has not been designed due to the cost associated with the task. If the November vote is successful, the design process will begin and will include several opportunities for staff and community members to provide input during different stages of development.

Yes. Our plans are for the gymnasium to be accessible for community members outside of normal school hours. It would feature a wood floor and bleacher seating, and it would be capable of hosting youth tournaments and events.

Yes, K-5 students will be able to ride the bus to the new building. KCSD also would like to include middle and high school students. However, two more bus drivers are needed to make this a reality. If you are interested, please contact the Director of Transportation.

No. The city has protocols for engaging traffic studies and is aware that there may be a need for it as the development progresses. Traffic is an item that has been and will continue to be a focus point and collaborative effort between the school and the city.

Yes. The new building will have access to the Knoxville Trail, which the city continues to expand.

When the concept plan for the Veterans District was created, it incorporated spaces for parks, housing, commercial property, and the school in locations where the experts felt they were best suited. The land designated for the school is optimal due to the flat terrain, easy access to main thoroughfares, only having housing neighbors on one side, and only having road access on one side from a safety perspective. It will also be close to the sports complex, park, and trail system.