Public comment sought on future of Lyon County school facilities

Parents, taxpayers and other stakeholders will get a chance to discuss the future of Lyon County's school facilities at public meetings beginning today.

The meetings are part of an overall project to create a long-range, comprehensive master plan to prepare for the district's future, while staying within financial limitations, said Keith Savage, Lyon County School District director of auxiliary services.

"We want to include all stakeholders in the process," he said.

Meetings will be today at Fernley High; Thursday at Dayton High; Monday at Silver Stage Middle School in Silver Springs; Oct. 10 at Yerington High and Oct. 11 at Smith Valley High.

Residents participating in the meetings will be given a hand-held device attached to a computer, and when asked questions, the participant clicks his or her answer.

"First we'll do some demographics, then they'll be asked questions as to what is important to them," Savage said. "Then we'll break into smaller groups and have discussions."

After the discussions, he said, will come the prioritizing.

"We need to see what taxpayers want," he said. "You never have enough money to do all the things you want to."

The district has hired MGT of America Inc. as a consultant on the facilities master plan and Savage said company officials have already polled committees set up by each school on what they would like to see done.

MGT has already given its presentation to focus groups such as the Moose Lodge and the Soroptimists," Savage said.

In addition the company is doing an educational suitability study to see if the district's buildings are appropriate for the kind of education the district wants to provide.

The public is asked to share their views on the existing needs of the district's facilities and to help develop a plan "to cope with future challenges in a responsive and responsible manner," Savage said.

The meetings will begin in the school gymnasiums and may move to smaller rooms.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Lyon County School District facilities planning meetings

WHEN: Today, Fernley High School, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday,

Dayton High School, 7 p.m.

Monday, Silver Stage Middle School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10,

Yerington High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11,

Smith Valley High School, 7 p.m.

CALL: 463-6800