Zoning Advisory Committee recommends new school boundaries for Reno area schools

The Washoe County School District (WCSD) Board of Trustees convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss significant changes to school enrollment boundaries in response to the construction of the new Otis Vaughn Middle School, set to open in the 2026-2027 school year. The meeting focused on recommendations from the Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) regarding the reallocation of students among several schools, including Smithridge, Huffaker, and others.

The primary recommendation, labeled as Option 4A, proposes a split feeder system for the Smithridge community, allowing students to attend Vaughn Middle School while maintaining a connection to Demone Ranch High School. This decision was influenced by extensive community engagement, including public meetings held in January, February, and April, where parents and community members voiced their concerns and preferences.

Tyler Rogers, chair of the ZAC, emphasized the importance of listening to community feedback throughout the process. He noted that the committee had explored nine different options before arriving at the final recommendation, which was approved by a narrow 5-4 vote. The discussions highlighted the complexities of balancing community needs with logistical considerations, such as transportation and school capacity.

Concerns were raised about the potential for long bus rides, with some students facing commutes of up to 40 minutes. Board members acknowledged the challenges this posed for families, particularly for younger students. The board also discussed the historical context of zoning decisions, noting that many communities in the area have experienced frequent changes due to population growth.

In addition to the main zoning proposal, the meeting included discussions about the implications of rezoning on school programs and elective offerings. The ZAC aimed to ensure that students would have access to a balanced range of educational opportunities despite the changes.

The board is expected to finalize the enrollment boundary modifications in the coming weeks, with the goal of implementing the changes by the start of the 2026-2027 school year. The outcome of this meeting reflects the district's ongoing efforts to adapt to changing demographics while striving to maintain community ties and educational quality.