Lyon County schools deal with increased numbers

The state demographer's projection of an 80 percent population increase in Lyon County over 20 years means growing pains for the Lyon County School District.

With about 470 new students last year alone, officials are dealing with a range of concerns.

"Every year, there are new twists, new challenges," said Superintendent Nat Lommori. "How do we transport all these new kids? Do we need new bus routes? Do we have to do split lunches? If we end up having to do year-round elementary school - when do you deep clean the carpets if everybody's in school all year?"

Lyon's growth of 5.3 percent last year beat out the usually dominant Clark County, which saw a 4.1 percent increase.

"With that kind of growth, it's going to require some new facilities," said Keith Rheault, state superintendent of public instruction.

But that's going to be up to Lyon County, he said.

As hundreds of homes go up along the Highway 50 corridor in Dayton and beyond, Lommori is preparing to propose a $22 million bond issue.

"We had planned to ask for the money in 2006, but because of some of the rapid growth we moved that up to 2004 - this fall. I went to the county commissioners, and I told them, expect us back in 2008 for another one. It's just going to be a continual thing."

The bond issue would pay for a third elementary school for both Dayton and Fernley as well as improvements for Fernley and Dayton intermediate schools, Fernley and Dayton high schools, Dayton Elementary School and, if there's anything left, Silver Stage Middle School.

Construction paid for by a $25 million bond issue from 2000 is still under way.

After completing a new high school in Silver Springs, crews will start on an expansion to Dayton High, including 10 classrooms, a small gym and a culinary arts facility this month.

A similar project at Fernley High will add eight to 10 classrooms, a library and a small gym.

"I've been the superintendent for 12 years, and I don't think there's been a single year when we haven't built something," Lommori said.

Lyon County School District, which ended last year with 7,311 students and currently has 7,785, is considering other changes, such as year-round, multi-track elementary schools. The district is studying the option this year, looking for guidance from neighboring districts, Lommori said.

"That's a real strong possibility (for the) '05, '06 school year."

Another difficulty is enlarging the faculty to match the growing student population.

Specialty teachers are particularly difficult to find, according to Lommori.

"Speech counselors, math and science teachers, special-ed teachers - they are not real plentiful out there anymore," Lommori said. "We have to do a much better job of recruiting than we used to."

Funding for teacher salaries come from a state school account, distributed according to enrollment, Lommori said. "So the growth in students will help us hire additional teachers, but it won't give us the kind of money it takes to build buildings."

With a history of bond issues in 1988, 1994, 2000 and 2004, Lyon County School District is well acquainted with growth.

"We experienced about 5 percent growth then we had 8 percent about five or six years ago, and that was a tough year," he said. "Then it dropped down to 3 or 4 for a few years, and those were nice years. But now it looks like we're going to go back up to 5 or so."

Another factor officials are considering is what size they want their high schools to be. Both Fernley and Dayton high schools are nearing 700 students.

"We figure the optimal size is about 1,500," Lommori said, "not like these schools down in Las Vegas with 3,000 students in them. I think about 1,500 is where we'd like to draw the line."

Lyon County is securing land for high school sites - in Dayton at 10 Mile Hill and in Fernley south of the canal close to Dr. Johnson Memorial Park.

Lommori said he is securing land from the Bureau of Land Management, and will buy it "at a pretty reasonable price."

The population projections were released by state demographer Jeff Hardcastle on May 18. He estimates Lyon County will jump from 41,417 people this year to 74,281 by 2024.

While he acknowledged there are many factors that could affect the accuracy of a 20-year estimate, Hardcastle stood by his figures. "By having a projection method that includes national information, I think you have a much stronger estimate."