Storm damage to a transformer knocked out power to a Lakeside high school forcing administrators to cancel classes on Wednesday.
Administrators at El Capitan High School started contacting the families of 1,800 students just after 5 a.m. when they got word that the lights wouldn't be back on in time.
"There was no way we could hold school. That instructional time is so important, so we were disappointed, but at the same time we wanted to have a safe environment for students," principal Sue Emerson said.
Most parents got an automated phone call, but one parent and student were left in the dark.
"This is unreal. They could have called me at least," Anthony Kelley said as he brought his daughter to school.
It appears the Kelly family wasn't on the list.
Freshman Jessica Kelly is a transfer student from Las Vegas. Wednesday was supposed to be her first day and that was stressful enough.
“Like kind of like nervous, like shocked, cause it's a new school," Jessica said. "I was looking forward to coming but now I have to wait until tomorrow."
One of the fastest ways that administrators were able to get out the word to students was through texting.
"I just kept getting messages, ‘Mrs. Storton, no school’? ‘I don't know who you are but yes, no school’," facilities manager Michele Storton said.
Word spread quickly and school officials said only a handful of students showed up.
The school's principal says coaches will contact student athletes if practice or games are canceled.
School is expected to be open on Thursday.
