Schools to receive $18 million for upgrades

Carson City's schools will receive a general facelift by the time the 2002 school year ends.

By a margin of 59 percent to 40 percent, voters on Tuesday approved the $18 million bond issue set to improve school safety, increase technology and replace outdated systems. The final vote was 11,122 in favor, and 7,639 opposed.

"I feel good," said Mike Mitchell, the district's director of operations. "I think we got our point across to the general taxpayer that our facilities need work."

Mitchell said the district will borrow the money in two $9 million issues, instead of a lump sum.

The first $9 million will be available in March 2001. Work on the bond projects dealing with increasing safety and improving technology will begin this summer.

The district will spend about $2.5 million to increase safety at the schools with electronic locks and updated intercom and phone systems.

The second $9 million will be available in March 2002 when district officials plan to start work on upgrading obsolete systems, replacing heating and air-conditioning units and building science labs.

"We need that amount of time to get the drawings done and get them bid," Mitchell said.

The bulk of the bond will be spent on renovation such as replacing old pipes and uninsulated windows. Nearly $12 million will be set aside for these projects.

Installing new heat and air-conditioning units will cost about $2.8 million.

New science labs will be added to the high school and middle schools for a cost of about $1 million.

Superintendent Jim Parry said various factors played a role in encouraging voters to support this year's bond. He said the main incentive was that it will not raise taxes but he senses a general concern from the public for school faculty and students.

"I'm hoping there's a little more trust out there in the district and our ability to bring this to fruition," Parry said.

The bond is not expected to raise taxes. However, if it were not approved, taxes could have gone down. The cost of the bond is about $39 for the owner of a $100,000 home.