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Ward 3 advisory board presses district for answers after public raises alarm over Veterans Memorial School closure
Summary
Residents and board members urged the Washoe County School District to improve outreach after public commenters said the district plans to close Veterans Memorial School earlier than previously indicated; the board asked district staff to return and answer questions about repurposing and communication gaps.
Residents and members of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Advisory Board pressed the Washoe County School District’s facility modernization plan and communication practices at the board’s Dec. 2 meeting, after public commenters raised concerns about a possible closure of Veterans Memorial School.
Public commenter Beth Dorey said she and neighbors learned only recently that the district may move up the school's closure to 2027 and warned the change would uproot a largely Hispanic student population. “For many of these children, these neighborhood schools are a safe home away from home,” Dorey said, adding that taxpayers had invested in upgrades and that closing and repurposing the historic site would be a “community loss.” Dorey also urged officials to consider transferring the site to veterans’ groups or creating a veterans memorial and museum.
Board members and the chair echoed frustration about district communications. The chair said the board has heard similar concerns and noted the Washoe County School District was unable to send staff to the meeting. Several members said they had not received clear information from the district and asked staff to secure a district representative for a future meeting so members can ask specific questions.
The board did not take formal action on school closures (the board cannot make decisions for the school district). Instead, members agreed to keep the district item on the agenda and requested that district staff appear at an upcoming meeting to address community concerns about timelines, repurposing options, and translation and outreach for Spanish-speaking families. A staff liaison reminded members that the NAB is advisory and that constituents can also use Reno Direct or attend the school oversight committee to provide feedback.
What’s next: The board closed discussion with a request that the Washoe County School District return with staff and clearer materials. No vote was taken on school closure or redevelopment; the item was left open for a future meeting when district representatives can attend.
