Las Vegas Thunderstorms Cause Extensive Damage at Discovery Charter School, Forcing 150 Students Out

LAS VEGAS – The weekend thunderstorms that drenched the Las Vegas valley in torrential rain left a trail of destruction at Discovery Charter School’s Sandhill Campus, compelling 150 students to evacuate their classrooms. The aftermath of the storms proved disheartening for Principal Tricia Wilbourne, who was confronted with the extent of the damage.

Wilbourne expressed her distress, stating, “This is our literacy room where we serve students who are below reading level, and the ceiling has collapsed, the room is destroyed, and the teacher obviously can’t work in here. The students will be served next door, but it’s not ideal, and it is a disaster.”

The flooding has led to the closure of three classrooms at the school due to significant damage. Additionally, the front office and hallway have also sustained water damage. On the west side of the valley, Discovery Charter School’s Hillside Campus experienced damage in three of its classrooms, which had to be closed off to students as well.

Discovery Charter School is a K-8 tuition-free public school that plays a crucial role in educating approximately 500 students across its two campuses. However, Principal Wilbourne emphasized a significant challenge faced by charter schools in Nevada: a lack of funding for building maintenance and repairs. Consequently, funds necessary for essential repairs may have a direct impact on both students and teachers.

To address the pressing need for repairs and to ensure the school’s educational environment can be restored swiftly, the institution has initiated a GoFundMe campaign with the goal of raising $20,000. These funds will be instrumental in mitigating the damage and getting students back into a safe and conducive learning environment.