Panel to hear reports about school construction money
School district and state officials will present information Wednesday to a panel trying to find sources of money to build nine schools and renovate others in Washoe County.
“We have to know where we are before considering any increase on the current funding sources or new funding sources,” said state Sen. Randolph Townsend, R-Reno and chairman of the committee created by the Legislature.
The group has until May 1 to reach a consensus on the needs of the school district and the revenue options available.
“It’s taking a while, but we’re confident we’ll get there,” Trustee Jonnie Pullman said.
The proposed plan includes upgrading older schools, classrooms and technology and the construction of nine schools to handle anticipated growth in the area, about $880 million.
“Hopefully, they will be able to begin talking about funding sources to address the identified needs of the school district,” Superintendent Paul Dugan said.
The earliest the school district can receive money for the revitalization plan is January 2009, Dugan said.
“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.
This article originally appeared in Reno Gazette-Journal.
