AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Cheney School District is celebrating the groundbreaking of a new elementary school in Airway Heights.
The school, scheduled to open in fall 2027, will serve approximately 500 students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Construction has begun on a vacant lot near the intersection of West 1st Avenue and South Craig Road.
The project is funded through a $72 million bond that voters approved in 2024. The new school will be located on the northern end of the district, allowing students to attend school in their own neighborhoods rather than making lengthy bus commutes.
The new facility addresses a pressing need across the district, where nearly all five elementary schools currently operate at or above capacity and rely on portable classrooms to accommodate students.
“To get out of portables is going to be fantastic,” said Dr. Ben Ferney, superintendent for the district. “Sunset Elementary, our one elementary school in Airway Heights, is huge; it’s over 600 students. So that is going to be the school that is relieved the most.”
Beyond serving students, the new facility will provide an additional community gathering space for Airway Heights residents.
The ceremonial groundbreaking took place at 4 p.m. Monday at the corner of West 1st Avenue and South Craig Road, with community members invited to attend the milestone event.
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