Students return to school after fire destroys library

Students returned to San Juan High School on November 26, just ten days after an arson fire destroyed the school library and caused more than $1,000,000 in damage.
Crews have worked around the clock to move classrooms, stabilize damaged areas, and prepare for a return to school.
“Given the circumstances, the initial cleanup effort couldn’t have gone much better,” said Superintendent Doug Wright.
Wright estimates that getting the school ready to reopen has cost in excess of $150,000. State Risk Management will cover the cost of school repair and replacement.
In total, seven classrooms have been moved to other locations, including the Zenos L. Black Building, the conference building previously used as an LDS Seminary, and the USU – Workforce Services building southeast of the school.
Library services, using a number of donated books and supplies, were moved to a school room that previously was used as a community exercise center.
It is anticipated that the construction phase to rebuild the library and affected classrooms could extend through the summer. Two Blanding-area men face arson charges for the November 17 fire.