Representative sought to work with school district on bond issue

The committee overseeing the school bond will begin the process of seeking a representative to serve as a liaison between the school district and outside contractors, superintendent Richard Stokes told trustees Tuesday.

Stokes reported to school board members that it was the first suggestion provided by the 2010 Bond Oversight Committee, made up of staff and members of the community.

He explained that in previous bond issues, former director of operations Mike Mitchell served in the role known as the owner's representative, which relays the school district's interest, the scope of work and the budget to the construction manager.

However, when Mitchell retired at the end of 2008, his duties were divided among current staff members, but the position of owner's representative was not filled, Stokes said.

The salary for the position has not been determined but would be paid through the bond money. The first projects the representative would be responsible for overseeing are the proposed improvements to Empire Elementary School and Eagle Valley Middle School, which together cost $13 million.

The 10-year rollover bond is not for a certain amount of money. Instead, it asks voters to approve a fixed tax rate over a 10-year period.

It will be divided into three phases over the next 10 years, with the first addressing "high priority" needs. In this $25 million phase, every school in the district will receive improvements, ranging from heating and lighting upgrades, to increased handicap accesses and heightened security.

The second phase will be $10 million to begin in 2013 and be completed in 2014. It is expected to address needs at Pioneer High School and in career and technical arts at Carson High School.

The third phase of the bond will be designated to upgrade technology throughout the district.

Stokes also extended an open invitation to any members of the public who want to serve on the bond oversight committee. The next meeting is noon Thursday at the Carson City School District Office.

Also at the school board meeting:

• Joanna Wilson, who was elected in 2000, was appointed president of the board. Steve Reynolds, who was elected in 2008, will serve as vice president. Lynnette Conrad, appointed to the board in April 2009 and re-elected this year, was selected as clerk.

• The seventh- and eighth-grade basketball teams from Carson Middle School were recognized for winning championships in their leagues.