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Fernley council approves school water‑industry programs, funds them from water enterprise fund
Summary
Council voted unanimously to direct city staff to accept two Poseidon Education programs — a fifth‑grade water resource leadership course and a high‑school wastewater career program — and to fund the programs from the city’s water enterprise fund; staff said teachers and the school district have agreed to participate.
The Fernley City Council voted 4‑0 on Feb. 18 to direct city staff to accept two school programs from Poseidon Education aimed at exposing students to water‑resource careers and conservation.
Public Works Director Barry Williams introduced the programs and said teachers are ready to implement them this school year. Poseidon’s presenter (identified in the meeting as Miss Zachary) described a fifth‑grade water resource leadership program that would have students study their school’s potable and wastewater use, conduct flow and handwashing audits, and develop a water‑resource management plan. The organization also proposed a high‑school career‑technical program focused on wastewater‑treatment plant infrastructure, blueprint review, site visits and panels with project managers and equipment operators.
The council asked whether the school district supported classroom use of the curriculum and who would pay for it. Williams said the district had been consulted and was “excited about the program” and that city staff would lead program implementation. Robert Carson, identified as the city treasurer, told the council the programs would be paid from the water enterprise fund.
Council members asked about scale and logistics; Poseidon’s presenter said curriculum, laboratory equipment and training are included and that teachers would retain the materials for ongoing use. City staff noted the fifth‑grade program is classroom‑based and that the high‑school program is more project‑focused and longer in duration. Staff estimated the programs could begin as early as March 1 if a contract is executed promptly, but added that late‑year classroom starts present scheduling challenges.
Councilman Torres moved to direct staff to accept both programs and include the funding from the enterprise fund; Councilman Hannon seconded. The motion carried 4‑0.
The council asked staff to document the program with photos and video (with parental permission) for future presentations and to include the final student presentations before the council if appropriate.
