ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. – The Douglas County School District (DCSD) will no longer be looking at consolidating Zephyr Cove Elementary with Whittell Middle and High School, or at closing them. On Wednesday, the DCSD Board held an emergency meeting to find ways to meet a multi-million dollar deficit. During the meeting, the trustees heard of three possible scenarios of school consolidation – the north part of the county, in the south county, and at Lake Tahoe.

As of Friday, the lake schools are no longer on the consolidation list.

The schools at Tahoe already experienced consolidation when Kingsbury Middle School closed and was sold, splitting those students between Zephyr Cove Elementary and Whittell High School. The two schools already have a shared staff model, one that can be modeled in other areas of the District, according to Superintendent Frankie Alvarado.

“The analysis proved that this direction would not reduce expenditures to the level that is needed to stabilize our budget,” said Alvarado on Friday.

If Whittell and Zephyr Cove were consolidated, it would save the District about $188,000 a year, but it would also cost about the same in retrofitting the middle/high school to accommodate grades K-6.

DCSD is looking at a shortfall of $5.2 million this year, and another $6.9 million in 2027.

The Board has directed Alvarado to look into additional consolidation scenarios, and staff are working on gathering that information before they are faced with a decision. (see a breakdown of the other scenarios discussed at Wednesday’s meeting here).

The Board’s goal is to maintain high-quality programs and provide instructional equity at all campuses. They approved a reduction-in-force (RIF) for all levels in the District. Those reductions will begin with staff “furthest away from the classroom.” But the RIFs will hit each level of administration, classified management, and classified staff before hitting certified staff (teachers).

Alvarado said he will begin discussions with Lake Tahoe Unified School District to consider negotiating an education services agreement for South Tahoe High students to have access to the Whittell High Fire Science program.

“I am not sure what the outcome will be,” said Alvarado. “Lake Tahoe is a wonderful community! I would like to harness the potential of broadening our partnerships to enhance the outcomes of our youth in the region. Although the Lake represents two states, we should value the township and work together.”

At this time, families are charged for their children to attend schools outside of their state.