Goodyear council weighs expansion of Loretta Zumbro school
Submitted photo/Liberty Elementary School District
Goodyear city council’s final vote on land annexation could pave the way for campus expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and continued growth in west Goodyear.
The potential expansion of Loretta Zumbro Elementary School is back before the Goodyear City Council, with members set to make a final decision on an annexation tied to the campus.
The discussion builds on action taken in 2024, when council members unanimously approved annexing approximately 16.25 acres near the northwest corner of South 183rd Avenue and West Lower Buckeye Road to support the Liberty Elementary School District’s plans for the site.
At the time, city leaders pointed to rapid growth in the area as a driving factor.
“The growth between Estrella and west Goodyear is just amazing,” former Councilmember Sheri Lauritano said. “That school is definitely needed.”
Former Councilmember Bill Stipp also raised questions during the 2024 discussion about water providers and permitting timelines, signaling issues that would continue to be addressed as the project moved forward.
The 73,512-square-foot campus, which now serves grades PreK-8, was designed to accommodate up to 900 students and includes programs such as agriculture, performing arts, dual language, leadership development, International Baccalaureate and STEAM.
The initial development phase included five buildings: three academic classroom buildings, an administrative and pre-K facility, and a multipurpose physical education building, with room for future expansion.
Now, the focus returns to the formal annexation process that would officially incorporate the property into Goodyear’s municipal boundaries, allowing the city, rather than Maricopa County, to provide access to emergency services and utility connections.
The annexation also outlines a series of requirements for the Liberty Elementary School District. These include constructing road improvements along Lower Buckeye Road and 183rd Avenue, installing a traffic signal at the intersection, completing water and wastewater infrastructure, and paying service fees before receiving city utilities or occupancy approvals.
If approved, the ordinance will take effect 30 days after adoption, clearing the way for continued development and any future expansion of the school as the surrounding area continues to grow.
The Goodyear city council will continue the discussion at 5 p.m. Monday, March 23 at city hall, 1900 N. Civic Square.
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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