School planned in Thompson’s name

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2002 | 9:50 a.m.

Clark County School District officials plan to name a new elementary or middle school after Sandra Lee Thompson, a longtime child rights advocate, Las Vegas Sun columnist and executive who was killed in a car wreck this summer.

Thompson's name is one of five selected to go before the Clark County School Board for final approval. Three additional names will be selected Nov. 12.

Thompson was waiting at a red light at the Las Vegas Beltway and Far Hills Avenue when her car was struck from behind Aug. 9. The driver, John Simbrat, is charged with driving under the influence of a controlled or prohibited substance, causing death, felony reckless driving and involuntary manslaughter. Simbrat, 21, is behind bars in lieu of $2 million bail.

An employee of the Sun for 23 years, Thompson's award-winning reporting and columns brought about reforms in Nevada's Family Court system, including changes to the state's guardianship laws. At her memorial service, Clark County School Superintendent Carlos Garcia called Thompson "the conscience of the children of Clark County."

Her husband, Gary Thompson, said having a school named after his wife would be a remarkable legacy.

"It's phenomenal," Thompson said this morning . "It's a wonderful honor for someone who cared as much about children as Sandy did."

The other school names selected for the board's approval were:

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