School Districts Amid Devastating Fires Face Uncertainty
School districts affected by the devastating fires had challenging decisions to make on Friday about when to reopen schools.
Los Angeles School Officials Unfazed by Promising Forecast
Los Angeles school officials, led by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, decided not to make a decision about reopening campuses until late in the weekend. In a statement on Friday morning, Carvalho emphasized that although the weather forecast looked promising for the moment, there were too many uncertainties surrounding wind conditions, air quality, and the control of fires. He highlighted concerns about pulling the trigger too soon, as fires could still arise, and announced that the decision would be finalized on Sunday afternoon.
Pasadena Unified School District Closes Campus for the Rest of the Week
In related news, officials from the Pasadena Unified School District announced that they would be closing schools for the entirety of next week. The Superintendent, Elizabeth Blanco, explained the decision, pointing out that due to the recent fires, evacuation orders remain in effect, mandatory and warning areas are still restricting access, air quality is characteristically “unhealthy,” school facilities have incurred damage, and safety concerns present a significant danger.
Other Areas Affected Include Las Virgenes Unified
Outside of Los Angeles, the area of Las Virgenes Unified Schools, which divides the northwestern border of the county, faces similar challenges despite not losing schools. Campuses were closed earlier in the week, and on Friday, students were left dealing with the continued uncertainty of air quality and overall safety.
Monetary Support Provides Relief
Los Angeles Unified initiated a food distribution program, initially set to wrap up next Saturday, to deliver meals to residents affected by fires. Additionally, the YMCA has made services available for workers who must visit the site through the weekend with the expectation for an announcement due on Sunday as well.
Additional Support
Looking ahead to potentially reopening on a Monday, California Unified officials reported that they expected to continue using online learning content for students by visiting the Y’s website as well as on the school administration’s website www.gopusd.com/ learning.
In many areas, severe weather conditions in the form of high winds has led to immense damage and displaced residents. Among the most vital decisions, L.A. school officials are careful to weigh different factors before bringing students back or keeping them outside. Pasadena district officials, amid the ongoing concerns, have had to make changes to their opening schedule. On the other, Las Virgenes Unified, another area affected though not losing actual schools, they have been managing the situation even though they decided to close off their campuses.
Q. What is causing the uncertainty amidst the fires?
A. The combined factors of continued wind conditions and air quality impacting the safety as well as recovery efforts.
Q. What type of support, if any, is being brought to the education system?
A. Food will be distributed both in-person learning and online study materials.
Q. What plans are in sight for the actual reopening of some schools?
A. Los Angeles Unified will continually monitor conditions leading up to Friday, with updates expected on reopening.
