Clark County School District Archives

    The forming of isolated mining camps and agricultural areas in what was to become Southern Nevada presented many challenges for the early pioneers of the unsettled desert frontier. Formal education of the children of these early pioneers presented more challenges. With few resources early education of the students would often begin in private homes until the community could raise the funds or find donations of land and material to build a school house. In the mining camps the mine owners often would donate a small unused building or shack for school use. In the agricultural communities of Moapa and Virgin Valley the local church often served the dual purpose of a school and community center.

    As the mining camps and agricultural areas grew and the need for larger dedicated facilities and funds were required to expand, the community would elect or appoint a school committee or board to oversee the education of their children. As these settlements expanded and became permanent with businesses and homes, the community had a taxable base to raise funds. Usually the citizens of the community held an election for approval to sell bonds up to a certain amount when needed and issue them with a promise to pay the interest and principle in the future as taxes on the business and homes were collected.