RENO, Nev. (AP) — The Washoe County School Board has created a community panel to oversee its spending on construction and repair.
The district is asking voters to approve a $781 million tax increase in November, and the school board says it won't spend a cent of that money before hearing recommendations from the new committee.
The school board unanimously authorized the committee Tuesday. It's designed to improve public confidence in the district's spending practices as the general election approaches.
Voters have expressed growing distrust in the school board during recent public meetings. Residents often mention a $700,000 settlement paid to previous Superintendent Pedro Martinez after the school board's illegal attempt to fire him. They also criticize the perk-heavy contract given to the district's new superintendent.