Future Moscow · Renovation

Future Russell

One of Moscow School District's original school sites gets a new purpose — the second floor becomes the District Office, returning administration to a building the district owns.

The Short Version

Russell School at 119 N Adams Street is one of the district's original school sites. A 2025 structural evaluation determined the building remains sound and can be renovated for continued service rather than being sold or left vacant. Future Moscow puts it back to work: the second floor becomes the new District Office, moving administration out of leased space at 650 N Cleveland for the first time in years.

Illustrated rendering of the Russell School building exterior — Russell School at 119 N Adams Street — one of Moscow's original school sites.

Bronze plaque reading Site of First School In Moscow, John Russell School, 1880 — The John Russell School plaque on the building — site of Moscow's first school, established 1880.

119N Adams St

1880Site of Moscow's First School

$6MEstimated Renovation Cost

Spring 2028PCRHS & DO Move In

Why Keep Russell

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Russell School sits on the site of the John Russell School — Moscow's very first school, established in 1880. When the Future High School's first class graduates in May 2030, it will mark 150 years since that original school opened on this same ground. A 2025 evaluation determined that the building is structurally sound. Rather than disposing of a district-owned historic site, Future Moscow renovates it — investing in targeted improvements that bring it up to modern accessibility and safety standards while preserving a building that has served Moscow students for generations.

The Board also evaluated reopening Russell as an elementary school, but determined the site's layout and surrounding terrain present challenges that limit its effectiveness as a modern elementary facility.

What Gets Renovated

ADA Accessibility & ElevatorFull ADA compliance upgrades throughout the building, including installation of a new elevator providing accessible access between floors — bringing this historic building fully into current accessibility standards.
HVAC UpgradesReplacement and modernization of heating and ventilation systems.
Lead & Asbestos RemediationRemoval and abatement of lead-containing and asbestos-containing materials where identified.
Safety ImprovementsFire safety, security, and life-safety system upgrades.
Parking UpdatesImprovements to parking and site access to support both the District Office and PCRHS programs operating from the building.

What the Building Becomes

The renovated Russell building serves two programs, each on a separate floor:

Second Floor — District OfficeAdministrative offices for Moscow School District #281, moving out of leased space at 650 N Cleveland for the first time in years. The District Office relocation also frees the Cleveland building for conversion into the MMPACT center as part of the high school campus.
First Floor — Future Paradise Creek Regional High SchoolPCRHS relocates from its current leased facility to the first floor, gaining permanent district-owned space with classroom, commons, and support access. PCRHS must be in its new home before June 2028 when its current lease expires — the Russell renovation is funded from day-one equity to ensure that deadline is met.

Future Paradise Creek Regional High School project page →

Exploring the Full Potential of the Russell Grounds

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The Russell site on North Adams Street includes grounds beyond the footprint of the renovated building. The district is evaluating options for the long-term use of those grounds — including a potential sale or a long-term public-private partnership that could generate value for the district and the community while keeping the historic building in active use.

No decisions have been made on the grounds. The district will engage the community as options are evaluated and will report findings to the Board in due course.

Timeline

November 2026 – August 2028
Renovation
ADA, elevator, HVAC, lead and asbestos remediation, and safety improvements. Because the building is largely vacant, renovation can begin shortly after project approval.
January 2028
District Office Opens on Second Floor
District administration begins operating from Russell.
January – August 2028
650 N Cleveland Becomes Future MMPACT
The vacated District Office building is renovated into the MMPACT Center.
August 2028
Paradise Creek Opens on First Floor
PCRHS begins its first year in the renovated Russell building.

Explore Related Pages

See how Future Russell connects to the plan

Future Paradise Creek Future MMPACT Full Timeline Budget & Funding

The following information is required by Section 34-914, Idaho Code:

The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is a tax of $280 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions.

The proposed levy would be assessed for 7 years.

Future Russell

Renovation

District Office Opens on Second Floor

650 N Cleveland Becomes Future MMPACT

Paradise Creek Opens on First Floor

See how Future Russell connects to the plan