Kyrene de la Mirada students will start school at closed Manitas campus after flooding

Nearly a year ago, the Kyrene School District relocated about 500 students when one of its campuses underwent roof repairs, creating air quality concerns.

Now another one of its campuses will have to move students. This time, due to a flood.

A broken pipe led to a flood at the Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy in Chandler on June 15. A notice sent out to the community said it caused extensive damage to walls, flooring, doors, furniture and materials.

Josh Glider leads the district's emergency management team. He gave an update to the governing board this week.

“Based on the extent of the damage, it was quickly determined that the repairs were not gonna be able to be completed by the first day of school," Glider said. "So the team then considered the best course of action that we could take.”

The district considered renting portable classrooms, but ultimately decided to move students to another location.

“The school will temporarily move to the Kyrene de las Manitas campus, which is available following the closure of Manitas at the end of the 2025-26 school year," Associate Superintendent Chris Herrmann said.

Manitas is one of six schools the district decided to close last year due to declines in enrollment and a projected $7 million funding loss.

Students and staff are expected to be on that campus through winter break.