Thursday, May 15, 2003 | 9:52 a.m.
Imagine the surprise for Dr. Patrice Johnson when the Las Vegas High School principal received a call two weekends ago that someone burned a gaping hole through the Wildcats' football stands.
"It was really shocking to see," Johnson said.
A fire set by a middle schooler in an old track and field equipment room below the home stands caused an estimated $150,000 in damage. Two sections of the stands will have to be replaced.
Police have identified the offender and will prosecute the case to seek damages from the family to pay for at least part of the replacement costs.
"The fire was caused by a student from another campus on a weekend," Johnson said.
The replacement of the stands will cost about $132,000, and the remainder of the cost is for replacement of the equipment burned below. Las Vegas football coach Kris Cinkovich said that his team also stored training equipment in that area and it will be replaced.
Johnson said Las Vegas High will not have to pay any of the cost, but Clark County School District will have some financial burden, as will the offender.
"The student has been identified and restitution is being sought," Johnson said.
The district will contract out for the job, which is not yet on a timetable.
"We're hoping that the school district completes it before the beginning of football season," Johnson said, adding that Corporate Challenge events scheduled for the LVHS track have been moved to other sites.
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