Former Vegas Principal Rehired After Student’s Brutal Killing
UPDATE: The Clark County School District has rehired Darlin Delgado as an associate superintendent, less than two years after the tragic beating death of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis Jr.. This decision comes as the community grapples with the fallout from the brutal attack that shocked Las Vegas.
Delgado, who was principal at Rancho High School during the incident, faced intense scrutiny following the fatal beating of Lewis Jr. by a group of classmates in November 2023. Witnesses reported that the altercation began over a pair of stolen headphones and escalated into a deadly brawl that left Lewis Jr. with severe blunt force trauma. He succumbed to his injuries days later.
The violent incident was recorded by approximately 20 onlookers who shared the footage online, sparking outrage and demanding accountability from school officials. Following Lewis’s death, Delgado abruptly retired in January 2024, citing a desire to spend more time with family. However, she returned to the district just six months later, taking on a director role at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Las Vegas.
On August 7, 2023, Lewis’s father filed a lawsuit against the school district, alleging negligence. He claims that education officials ignored multiple warnings from his son regarding threats from his attackers, effectively contributing to the circumstances that led to his death. In his suit, Jonathan Lewis Sr. stated, “Jonathan even reported having issues with his assailants to CCSD prior to the incident,” but authorities failed to act, leading to the fatal assault.
The Clark County School District has not publicly addressed the legal actions or the circumstances surrounding Delgado’s reappointment. Superintendent Jhone Ebert nominated Delgado for the associate superintendent position during a July board meeting, despite concerns raised by several board members regarding her past tenure. The board ultimately approved Delgado’s appointment, with Ebert defending the decision.
During the meeting, board attorney Teddy Parker stated, “It’s not our role to determine the questions. It’s our role to determine whether or not this resume and this contract is approvable.” This statement reflects a commitment to procedural integrity amidst community outcry.
In the aftermath of Lewis Jr.’s death, nine teenagers were arrested, with several facing murder charges. Due to their ages, they were tried in juvenile court, and while the court found the charges substantiated, the cases remain sealed from public view.
Community members continue to express their grief and anger over the violent incident and the school district’s response. As Delgado steps into her new role, many are left wondering what changes, if any, will be made to ensure the safety of students in Clark County schools.
This developing story highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform within educational institutions to protect vulnerable students. As events unfold, the community awaits further action from the school district and the legal system in response to this heartbreaking case.
