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Washoe Commissioners OK School Ballot Measure

Julia Ritchey

The Washoe County Board of Commissioners passed on Tuesday a resolution for a school improvement initiative that will appear on a ballot this fall. Our contributor Bob Conrad of This is Reno has the story.

School advocates made an impassioned plea before commissioners about the condition of Washoe County schools.

Shaun Carey, who chaired a school infrastructure committee, made the case for the upcoming ballot measure which will raise sales tax to 8.3 percent, making it the highest in the state.

"Lead paint, asbestos, failing boilers, failing school conditions. This district wants, can and will lead the renovation of these schools because they're capable of doing it and they're dedicated to doing it."

County commissioners, like Marsha Berkbigler, agreed with Carey.

“This is an issue that is so important to this community. We came out with an idea that is less negative than any other idea. It’s about the need to grow and improve our schools.”

If the measure fails, the school district said double-sessions for schools could be possible and students would have to attend school as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 7 p.m.

One person spoke against the proposed ballot question. Jeffrey Church of Reno Public Safety said the tax would not sunset.

Bob Conrad, PhD, APR is a media professional with more than 20 years of experience in journalism, public relations, marketing and publishing. He’s the co-founder of ThisisReno.com, a locally owned and operated online news website.
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