The Nevada County Superintendent of School Office (NCSOS) extends appreciation to our Fire Fighters, Law Enforcement, Office of Emergency Services, Nevada County Public Health Department, Nevada County Social Services, the American Red Cross and all other supporting agencies during this River Fire Incident. Though we know the firefighting efforts continue, we acknowledge the excellent work being done to protect our homes, schools, businesses and environment.
I was able to survey and confirm this morning that Chicago Park Elementary School was spared from the fire. Currently, fire fighters are staged at that site. My heart goes out to those community members who have already suffered loss as a result of this fire, in our county as well as Placer County.
NCSOS remains in close communication with the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services and we have responded with their request to set up evacuation sites for residents. Currently Bear River High School, located at 11130 Magnolia Road, Grass Valley, is designated as the County evacuation site and shelter. The American Red Cross stood up the shelter facility on Wednesday, August 4 at 8:00 p.m. and is managing the workings of it. Nevada County Social Services is providing support and resources to the evacuees there.
We are working diligently to provide resources and support school communities affected by the fire. Our partners in education: Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Schools, the California Department of Education, Schools Insurance Group, Small Schools District Association, bordering County Offices of Education, among others have reached out to offer support to us as needed. We are grateful for established relationships to come alongside us during this time of need.
As the 2021-22 school year start looms in the very near future, we will continue our efforts to plan for a safe school re-opening. However, our focus this week is the safety of our residents and community as we respond to the River Fire.
Sincerely,
Scott W. Lay
Superintendent of Schools