Fewer students could equal fewer services

The threat of budget cuts is prompting Carson City School District officials to analyze how and where money is spent.

But that's not the only factor. Since 2002, the school district has lost more than 800 students. Since this year's count day in September, about 100 students have stopped attending school here.

However, the school district is still operating its six elementary schools.

"We're definitely looking into how we use our buildings," said Superintendent Richard Stokes.

"We're looking at efficiencies in how we do our business, everything from how many people we employ to the kinds of tasks they do and under what conditions we use our buildings."

He said the solution is not simply to close a school with the lowest enrollment numbers.

For instance, Empire Elementary School, where most of the students speak English as a second language, has dropped in student numbers, but is not entirely funded by the school district.

"Empire is a Title 1 school so it serves a population that has high needs," Stokes said. "As such, they get money from the federal government."

Bordewich-Bray and Mark Twain elementary schools are also classified as Title 1 schools and receive federal money.

"How the schools are funded plays a factor," Stokes said. "That federal money we anticipate will still be available."

Some ideas that have already been presented are switching Fremont Elementary School from year-round to a traditional calendar and laying off teachers.

Specific proposals will be outlined at Tuesday's school board meeting.

- Contact reporter Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1272.