This year the Washoe County School District is facing a major problem - too many students. Many of its schools are at or over capacity with no money to expand or build new ones.
The overcrowding didn't completely come as a surprise. In fact, the school district has been trying for years to secure more funding for additional schools. They say, if the population projections hold, they're going to need 16 new schools within the next 10 years. And - there's almost no money for that. They did get some additional funding from the legislature this session, but that doesn't cover capital needs.
"It's for English Language Learners. It's for children in poverty, full-day Kindergarten, classroom size reduction. But they are targeted dollars, and we are very excited about those dollars,” says Kristen McNeill.
McNeill is the new deputy superintendent for Washoe County - and she's been fielding questions from concerned parents about this issue. Right now the most likely option on the table is a question on next year's ballot that would authorize a tax increase for capital needs.
But until then, it's creative solutions for the district: more mobile units, team teaching, using libraries and computer rooms for classrooms, and moving sixth graders into middle schools.
Finally, there's a good chance some of the more overcrowded elementary schools could go year-round.
"We've really run out of good solutions. It's not like you can look at them and say 'Oh, there's the good one.' They're all bad. We understand that. And it's a very passionate issue with parents,” says Pete Etchart, WCSD Chief Operations Officer.
To see the full interview, tune in or set your DVR for Face the State this weekend. It's airing tomorrow at 4:30 am and 4:30 pm - and again on Sunday at 3:00 and 6:30 am.
