View source for Ernest M Johnson Elementary School

The original school in Empire was named for Ernest M. Johnson, a school board trustee from 1958 until his death in 1970.  Johnson was killed in an automobile accident while returning from a meeting of the Trustees.  

The school at Gerlach was established in 1931, burned down in 1954 and rebuilt in 1955.

In 2001, an addition was made to the building in Gerlach and the Ernest M. Johnson school was moved from Empire to Gerlach.
 
* [http://www.washoecountyschools.org/misc/pdf/Complete_WCSD%20History%20of%20Schools_8%2021%202012.pdf Complete Washoe County School District History of the Schools]