Cyndi Loza

A panel appointed by the Legislature has until May 1 to identify sources of money for Washoe County School District.

“There’s big decisions to be made in the next couple of meetings,” said Assemblywoman Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, a member of the School Construction and Revitalization Advisory Committee. “We’ve spent the last several months basically focusing on the need (of the school district) and now we have one month to come up with a plan to put before the voters.”

After nearly six months of discussion, the panel plans to review specific details of new revenue options that might require voter approval Nov. 4, such as authority for a bond sale or tax increase.

“I think the committee is coming together and is anxious to move forward on the purpose that this committee was created for in the first place,” Superintendent Paul Dugan said.

The plan includes upgrading older schools, classrooms and technology, all for about a $393 million.

The committee has not voted on a recommendation but in March agreed to focus on renovations for existing schools instead of finding ways to fund construction of nine new ones.

This time, Dugan said he thinks the committee will “be more focused and more action oriented.” The panel plans to meet again April 15.