Mount Charleston Parents Face Difficult Choice as School Closure Looms

Earl B. Lundy Elementary School, a small school nestled in the heart of Mount Charleston, Nevada, is facing permanent closure due to storm damage sustained in August 2023. The Clark County School District (CCSD) announced the recommendation in a letter to parents on May 10, 2024.

Temporary Closure Becomes Permanent Threat

Since the storm, students have been bused to Indian Springs Elementary School, a 45-minute commute. This distance has caused significant hardship for families. Several parents have opted to homeschool their children or enroll them in online programs, citing the long commute and difficulty adjusting to a new environment.

CCSD Cites Rebuilding Costs

In a letter to parents, CCSD Interim Superintendent Brenda Larsen-Mitchell explained the district’s difficult decision: “The expense of rebuilding the school…caused by Tropical Storm Hilary…forced us to recommend closure.”

The letter outlines the Board of School Trustees’ consideration of the permanent closure in June 2024. Lundy students would permanently attend Indian Springs Elementary under this recommendation.

Community Fears Confirmed

This news confirms the anxieties of parents who were initially told the school would reopen for the 2024-25 school year. Months of silence and unanswered inquiries fueled their concerns that the district might use the situation to permanently close the school.

Efforts to Repair the School

Public records indicate the CCSD took initial steps towards repairs. School board documents show a design agreement with Ethos Three Architecture for an emergency site assessment and a construction agreement with Martin-Harris Construction for temporary earth shoring and debris removal.

A School’s Impact on a Community

For many families, Earl B. Lundy Elementary wasn’t just a school; it was a cornerstone of their decision to live on Mount Charleston. The close-knit atmosphere and proximity to home offered a unique educational experience. Parents have expressed that without the school, they may be forced to relocate.

Uncertain Future for Lundy Students

Sarah Hickam, a parent who chose to homeschool her child due to the long commute, echoed the sentiment of many. “We can’t stay here if there’s no school,” she stated.

The CCSD has not yet responded to a request for comment. This story will be updated with any further developments.

Credits: KTNV