District outlines $200M bond intent; public raises turf, heat and cost concerns

The Clark County School District presented a public information briefing Jan. 8 about its intent to issue the remaining $200 million of a previously approved $600 million bond authorization. Chief Financial Officer Justin Dayhoff said the district completed a $400 million issuance in October 2025 and that issuing the remaining tranche is intended to support capital improvement projects, construction and maintenance tied to the district’s capital plan.

Trustees asked about the district’s bond rating and oversight. Dayhoff said the district maintains a stable outlook from rating agencies and that purchasers adopt the higher rating for pricing; he said the district is working closely with bond advisers and oversight bodies such as the Debt Management Commission.

Public commenters raised concerns about the use of bond or other district funds for artificial turf installation and the safety and lifecycle costs of synthetic turf. Diane Henry and the Water Fairness Coalition speaker noted high surface temperatures, potential emissions and higher long‑term maintenance costs compared with natural turf, and asked whether turf conversions were competing with higher‑priority facility investments such as HVAC and security.

Dayhoff and other staff clarified that proposed turf projects would be funded from Fund 315 (statutory reserves) rather than the bond proceeds under discussion. Trustees asked how the district is timing bond calls given construction cost and market conditions and were told the district continues to monitor average monthly construction expenditures and will time issuance to steward taxpayer resources.

The item was presented for information and to receive public comment; no bond issuance vote occurred at the meeting.