Indian Bend Elementary School Breaks Ground in PVUSD

In late February, The Student Government of Indian Bend Elementary School gathered with Paradise Valley Unified School District leadership as well as the PVSchools Governing Board, teachers, parents, past and current principals, Grace Design Studio, and CHASSE Building Team to celebrate the official groundbreaking of their new campus. A campus that has anchored its neighborhood since 1972.

The ceremony marked the beginning of a $31 million-plus rebuilding of the highest rated Title I school in the district, based on last year’s AASA test scores. With approximately 450 students enrolled and more than 50 years of history serving multiple generations of families, Indian Bend Elementary is widely regarded as both a legacy campus and a point of pride for the community.

In attendance were Dr. Dan Courson, acting superintendent; Dr. Heidi Lindsay, assistant superintendent of elementary leadership; Ms. Jill Barragan, assistant superintendent of business operations; Ms. Jean Koeppen, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction; Mr. Shaun Holmes, assistant superintendent of human resources; and Mr. Mat Droge, director of marketing and communications.

Members of the PVSchools Governing Board also participated, including President Mr. Tony Pantera and board members Ms. Anne Greenberg, Ms. Jessica Wani, Dr. Amanda Lim and Mrs. Sandra Christensen. Representing Indian Bend were Principal Ms. Marcy Christner and Mr. Addison Palmer, TOA, alongside former principals who helped shape the school’s legacy.

“This is a special day for Paradise Valley Unified School District,” said Dr. Courson. “Today, we come together to mark the beginning of a new chapter for Indian Bend Elementary School. It’s a moment that allows us to honor a proud history while confidently stepping into the future.”

Courson noted that while generations of families have walked the halls of Indian Bend, the building itself has reached the end of its useful life. The rebuild, funded through voter-approved bonds, represents what he called “a tangible reflection of our commitment” to ensuring students and staff have safe, modern and inspiring learning environments.

The new campus, designed by Grace Design Studio and being built by CHASSE Building Team, will feature two primary structures. A two-story classroom and administration building will include a modern media center designed for collaborative learning. A separate single-story gymnasium and cafeteria will support both daily instruction and schoolwide events.

At the heart of the new 75,000+ square foot campus, an interior courtyard will include a flexible performance platform capable of hosting both indoor and outdoor gatherings. Students will also enjoy new playgrounds, while families and staff will benefit from expanded parking, improved traffic flow and refreshed multipurpose spaces. Completion is expected by the end of 2026, with the new campus opening in early 2027.

Dr. Lindsay emphasized that the morning was about more than construction.

“Today, we have celebrated more than the start of construction,” she said. “We have celebrated legacy, partnership, vision, and most importantly, students.”

She thanked the community for its support through bond funding, calling it a reflection of trust in the district’s stewardship of taxpayer dollars. She also expressed appreciation for CHASSE Building Team and Grace Design Studio for helping bring the vision to life.

During construction, students are temporarily attending classes at Indian Bend on Nisbet, located less than a mile away. District leaders said safety and continuity of learning remain top priorities, with transportation and campus adjustments in place to support kindergarten through sixth grade students.

District officials also acknowledged the broader transformation happening nearby with the redevelopment of the former Paradise Valley Mall into PV, a mixed-use urban core. Leaders noted that rebuilding Indian Bend alongside that revitalization reinforces the connection between strong schools and thriving communities.

As shovels hit the ceremonial dig site, Dr. Courson reflected on what he hopes students will feel when they walk into the new campus in 2027.

“I hope they continue to feel pride in their school and excitement for this new opportunity,” he said. “When students walk into a learning space designed for collaboration, creativity and safety, it tells them they matter. This rebuild is about investing in the school community and preparing our students for a lifetime of success. I think our voters for helping to make this happen.”

For Indian Bend Elementary, Friday’s groundbreaking was not simply the start of construction. It was a visible commitment to the next 50 years of excellence.

For more information, visit https://indianbend.pvschools.net/.