Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Construction work to delay new elementary school’s opening

Students at the new Jesse Scott Elementary School will get an extra three weeks of summer vacation because construction work on the new North Las Vegas campus won't be finished in time for the start of the academic year.

As recently as July 10 district officials were claiming the school, while behind schedule, would still be ready for students to arrive Aug. 25. Dave Broxterman, administrative facilities manager for the district, and Paul Gerner, associate superintendent of facilities, both told the Sun they expected the work at Scott would be finished by early August, allowing staff to set up offices and classrooms.

But in a press release this morning, the district announced Scott would open about three weeks later than expected — Sept. 15 — while off-site utilities, drainage and road work was completed.

Scott, which will operate year-round and is expecting more than 700 students, will operate on a modified calendar in order to make the missed instructional days.

The drainage system was expected to be built by Pardee Homes, as part of a residential development on an adjacent property. But Pardee pulled out of the project in April, and the responsibility, plus the estimated $1.5 million cost, fell to the School District.

The roadway improvements, primarily at the intersection of Bruce Street and Ann Road, have been the School District's responsibility from the outset of the project.

In addition to Scott, the district is opening nine other campuses this year — three new and three replacement elementary schools, and the replacement campus for Roy Martin Middle School, Desert Oasis High School and the East Career & Technical Academy. All nine schools are expected to open on time.

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