When former Live Oak High School principal Lloyd Webb, now superintendent of Durham School District, was faced with an unexpected influx of students displaced by the devastating Northern California fires, he knew just who to call for help.
In need of chairs and tables for students from Paradise School District, which lost two elementary schools and displaced hundreds in the aftermath of the Camp Fire, Webb reached out to his brother and current MHUSD Director of Curriculum and Instruction Glen Webb.
Lloyd Webb estimated that he was in need of 250 primary level seats and 200 seats and tables for grades 7-12 to house students displaced by the Paradise fire.
Almost immediately, MHUSD Facilities and Maintenance departments staff assessed the surplus furniture and began sorting through and loading what they could onto trucks to deliver to Durham. On Nov. 19, MHUSD deployed a convoy of seven trucks full of more than 500 school desks and chairs to Chico.
“I express my sincerest gratitude on behalf of every student impacted by this utter devastation for MHUSD’s concern for our students’ well-being,” Lloyd Webb said. “The generosity demonstrated toward these kids is incredibly profound.”
Two other towns—Concow and Magalia—also burned to the ground and the furniture will be made available to any school set up to receive displaced students.
“It is difficult to fathom the challenges and trauma schools have in the midst of such tragedy,” said Morgan Hill Supt. Steve Betando. “Our staff jumped at the chance to help any way they could.”The Butte County public schools are scheduled to reopen Dec. 3.“The focus is on helping students displaced by this tragedy return to normalcy,” Betando added. “The hard work is just beginning.”
