Update on Building Repairs at Thunder Vista

Dear Thunder Vista families and staff,

I’m reaching out to provide an update on building repairs at Thunder Vista following the Dec. 27 fire. As your district’s chief operating officer, my responsibility is to ensure this work is completed thoroughly, safely and with urgency so students and staff can return to the building for the start of the 2026-27 school year.

Our teams are mobilizing every available resource to meet that goal. We’ve hired a dedicated on-site project manager who oversees daily operations, coordinates contractors and ensures all safety protocols are followed. We will continue to take all necessary steps to maintain momentum in the months ahead.

Repair Progress

Since our January community meeting, crews have made meaningful progress on early phases of work. Soil removal is underway, and repairs to damaged utility lines are progressing.

As you may recall, construction was already underway at Thunder Vista prior to the fire. That work had been scheduled in short phases during student breaks to minimize interruptions. With the school closed for the remainder of the school year, we’re using this time to complete the crawl space work while fire-related repairs are underway. Once complete, these upgrades will help insulate our building and its utilities from shifting soils. 

Repairs to the school’s plumbing system are also progressing. Crews are removing soil in affected areas to access underground piping and address a line break in the mechanical room. 

Electrical Audit Findings and Repairs

Earlier this month, we completed a comprehensive electrical audit. These findings are guiding our repair plan and confirming the required scope of work. The audit identified damage to portions of the building’s data and network cabling, which supports connectivity throughout the school. We’re in the process of working with contractors to address these repairs and to reinstall conduit and electrical supports where needed.

Once repairs are complete, all systems will undergo thorough inspection and testing before the building is cleared for occupancy.

Remediation Recap

As your principal, Jody Roper, shared last week, remediation to address all smoke damage is complete.
We also retained an independent firm to conduct indoor air quality (IAQ) testing. Air samples were collected last week, and we expect to receive a detailed report outlining the findings within the next month. We will share the report once it’s available.

As a reminder, Thunder Vista’s air quality was also thoroughly tested through an IAQ report last March. The results for the air quality report found that levels were within normal ranges and showed no indication of adverse air quality in the building. This inspection was conducted by an independent certified industrial hygienist and includes measurements for natural gas, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and over 75 additional organic compounds. 

Additionally, you can review all previous communication about shifting soils, indoor air quality and related repairs by visiting the FAQ section of Thunder Vista’s website.

Once utilities and building systems are restored, we will continue monitoring air quality to ensure the building is ready for students and staff.

Repair Timeline and Fall Readiness

As we’ve shared in recent updates, our focus remains clear: completing all repairs and remediation in time for students and staff to return for the 2026-27 school year.

The early phases of our repair plan are progressing well, and work is on schedule. While several phases of construction remain, we are actively managing timelines and coordinating contractors to keep the project on track.

We understand how important it is for families to have confidence in both the safety of the building and the progress of this work. 

Based on our current scope of work with our contractor, repairs are scheduled to wrap up in time for the 2026-27 school year. Our contractor confirmed this schedule with us today. 

If we find that repairs aren’t progressing as expected, we will share that information as early as possible. We’re committed to transparency and will continue providing regular updates. 

I’ll provide another update next month. In the meantime, please reach out if you have any questions. 

Thank you for your continued patience and partnership as we work to restore Thunder Vista for your children and our staff.

Respectfully, 

Molly Brandt
Chief Operating Officer