Three semi-trucks hauling portable classrooms came to a halt in front of Plumas Charter School’s Indian Valley Academy in Taylorsville late February. The delivery was a welcome sight to the elementary students and staff from Greenville who lost their school in August. 

When the Dixie Fire burned through Greenville on August 4, 2021 PCS’ Greenville Learning Center was among the structures lost. The center was the campus for TK through sixth grade and served 50 students. 

Charter elementary students that remained in Indian Valley found a temporary school home at the Gem and Mineral Museum Hall in Taylorsville. The school worked with the California Office of Emergency Services to secure portable classrooms as a solution. State Superintendent, Tony Thurmond and Jake Wolf from the California Department of Education’s Disaster Relief department met with PCS administrators after the fire and pledged to get the portables there as soon as possible. 

Now, seven months later, students have a new school. The building hosts three classrooms, two bathrooms and an office space, comparable to the previous school in Greenville. “Having the building on-site has created renewed energy and creativity for students, parents and community members. The presence of the new building represents more than just education. It represents the grit, tenacity and perseverance of the Indian Valley community,” said Site Coordinator, Andre Essue. 

The proximity to the seventh through twelfth graders at Indian Valley Academy encourages collaboration between students and teachers across grade levels. “We are very excited to be on the same campus.  Being on the same campus will provide our incredible teachers with the opportunity to develop relationships with students throughout their educational journey.  It will also provide us with the opportunity to further develop PCS: Indian Valley Academy K-12 educational activities, which focus on the Plumas Charter School core values of respect, compassion, responsiveness, and accountability,” said Essue.

PCS Executive Director, Taletha Washburn said the school worked with many partners to complete the project. “John Webber from the Department of General Services worked as the project manager and he was very supportive, efficient and commutative,” she said.  PCS would like to extend their thanks to Hat Creek Construction, Stephen’s Electrical, Inc., ATCO Structures & Logistics, Anders Environmental, CalOES, CDE Disaster Support Team, Plumas County Building Department, and property owner, David Schramel.

By Rachel Goings, Public Relations Specialist

[email protected]

_________________________________________
In the photo: The finished building in Taylorsville next to Indian Valley Academy