Cyndi Loza

It was difficult for Reed High School principal Mary Vesco to contain her emotions when she discussed the upgrades her school needed.

“I just think our students should have the best that they can have,” said Vesco, through tears.

In April, a state-sanctioned Washoe County committee voted to seek an increase in vehicle registration fees and sales tax to be able to sell $393 million in bonds for school repairs and new technology. If the public approves the issue on Nov. 4, Vesco said she hopes the money can help Reed upgrade its technology and repair its 34-year-old campus.

“I think students need access to all the latest technology, and I think passing that question will give them access to tools other (newer) schools have,” said Vesco, who wants the school’s technology infrastructure upgraded.

Upgrades Vesco is most concerned with are those that deal with safety and educational instruction.

She said the school needs its concrete repaired throughout the campus, new carpet, locks that can be locked from inside the classroom and new lockers in the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms.

“Students need to feel that they can secure their personal items,” said Vesco, referring to Reed’s bent and compact lockers that are too small for a bookbag or purse. “We have to make sure all the kids leave the locker room at one time because we’re concerned that if someone is left in there, that person can be that sneak thief because kids can’t fit their bags in the locker.”

Reed also needs to repair its patchy sports field. Vesco said the field can be upgraded with new seed or sod.

The campus also could replace the field with artificial grass but, “unless you’re in an affluent area where you have people that have a lot of money that can donate, it’s not going to happen,” Vesco said.

At a glance

• Name: Reed High School
• Address: 1350 Baring Blvd., Sparks
• Phone: 353-5700
• Opened: 1974
• Enrollment: 2,400
• Capacity: 1,840
• Mascot: Raider
• School Colors: Blue and gold