One of the important quality of life indicators measured and tracked by TMT deals with the adequacy of our educational infrastructure. Traditionally, TMT has asked if there are enough seats available for the area’s growing K-12 enrollment. “How serious is overcrowding,” has been the question. That’s an important issue. But we believe there is a more important, more fundamental question to be asked. It’s a question that gets at the core of fairness, equity and equal opportunity.

“Do all students in the Washoe County School District have access to the same educational environment? Are the schools they attend roughly the same in terms of their teaching and learning conditions?” The answer, sadly, is no. There are huge gaps and they are growing with each passing year. This disparity is not lost on the community. As Trustees have conducted our Listen To Learn sessions, we have heard the concern expressed repeatedly, and we are asked what is being done to close the gap and level the playing field.

Before answering that question, here are some facts that should provide some perspective. Of the 92 schools in this district (with 6.5 million square feet of floor space) nearly half are over 40 years old and 19 are more than 50 years old. Their roofs leak, their energy inefficient windows let the cold in and the heat out, the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems are energy hogs and are so noisy in some schools that the teacher’s voice can’t be heard. Carpets have become trip hazards, bathroom ventilators don’t work, electrical systems cannot handle modern demands and internet access is spotty at best.

It’s as if there are two school districts. Students in newer neighborhoods with newer schools face few of those challenges, while students in older parts of town (with high minority populations) deal with them every day.

This school district, which is the only one in Nevada limited to two revenue sources for capital improvements, took its case to the Nevada Legislature in 2005. We were told it was too late in the session, and to come back in 2007 with the community at our side. We did. A broad coalition was built, but despite efforts in both houses, no tax bills were passed. What did pass, however, was SB 154. It formed a 15-member committee with legislators and community members to study the issue and place its recommended solution on the November 4 ballot. WCSD1 asks voters to approve a 1/4 cent increase in the sales tax and 1/2cent increase in the Government Services Tax for vehicle registrations. All of those proceeds will be spent for older school revitalization and for technology enhancements across the district.

We invite you to join us in a discussion of this important quality of life indicator on September 25 at TMT’s membership meeting. It should be a lively discussion and we value you comments and input.

Barbara Price, President
WCSD Board of Trustees