Cyndi Loza

Discussion will continue Wednesday on ways to raise funds for construction of nine additional schools and the revitalization of others in Washoe County.

The School Construction and Revitalization Advisory Committee will meet at 8 a.m. at the Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St., to review an informational presentation by Washoe County School District officials and the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

“We have to know were we are before considering any increase on the current funding sources or new funding sources,” state Sen. Randolph Townsend, committee chairman said.

Since the first meeting on Sept. 27, Trustee Jonnie Pullman said the group has just provided information and discussion on the plan.

“They haven’t tipped their hand to what they’re think of,” Pullman said.

The group has until May 1 to come to a consensus on the needs of the school district and the revenue options available to meet them.

“It’s taking a while but we’re confident we’ll get there,” Pullman said. The proposed plan includes upgrading older schools, classrooms, technology and the construction of nine additional schools to handle anticipated growth in the area. Superintendent Paul Dugan said one of the committee’s goals is to find ways to develop new sources of money.

“Hopefully they will be able to begin talking about funding sources to address the identified needs of the school district,” Dugan said.

So far, those needs would cost about $880 million.

The earliest the school district can receive money for the revitalization plan is January 2009, Dugan said.

As 28 Boomtown Casino employees were laid off on Thursday, Townsend, said he did not want to comment on whether the gaming industry was looking less like a possible funding source.

“The economic conditions now are really difficult but I don’t think it’s wise for a community to continue to neglect its school system,” Dugan said.

For more information visit: www.washoe.k12.nv.us/schools.