Lyon County School District reviews ten-year master facilities plan update

The Lyon County School District (LCSD) Board convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including updates on the district's 10-year master facilities plan. The meeting began with a report from Student Representative Mundine, who highlighted the district's recent academic performance, noting a score of 306 against an average of 296, while acknowledging areas needing improvement.

The primary focus of the meeting was agenda item number 12, which involved a comprehensive update on the 10-year facilities master plan presented by Executive Director of Operations, Harmon Banes, along with representatives from Orcutt Winslow and partners Zonda Education and Amaresco. Banes emphasized the importance of stakeholder input in shaping the plan, which aims to address the district's growth and facility needs over the coming years.

Scott Cywinski from Orcutt Winslow provided an overview of the data-driven process undertaken to assess the district's facilities. This included community engagement sessions at four high schools, where parents, students, and teachers shared their insights and aspirations for the educational environment. Key themes emerged from these discussions, including concerns about enrollment, the need for more outdoor learning opportunities, and the adequacy of existing facilities.

The assessment process involved a thorough evaluation of each campus, focusing on factors such as adequacy, suitability, and facility conditions. Cywinski explained that the Facility Conditions Index (FCI) was used to categorize the health of the buildings, with a focus on identifying urgent needs versus those that could be addressed later. The findings indicated a significant backlog of maintenance needs, with a projected total liability of $38 million if no action is taken.

The board discussed the implications of projected enrollment growth, particularly in areas like Fernley and Dayton, where housing developments are anticipated to increase student populations. Concerns were raised about the capacity of existing schools to accommodate this growth, with discussions on the potential need for new facilities in the future.

Trustees expressed a mix of skepticism and support regarding the enrollment projections and the adequacy of the facilities plan. Some members highlighted the importance of revisiting these projections every three years to ensure they remain relevant and accurate as community dynamics evolve.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the facilities plan based on ongoing assessments and community feedback. The board plans to receive further updates and detailed reports in the coming months, ensuring that the district's facilities can adequately support its educational mission as it adapts to changing demographics and community needs.