LAUSD Announces Most Schools Will Open This Week, Amid Wildfires
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho Makes Decision Amid Poor Air Quality
As unprecedented Los Angeles County wildfires burn and smoke fills the air, parents and students on Sunday, Jan. 12, awaited news from Los Angeles Unified School District on whether they will return to classrooms on Monday — most will.
Reopening Plan
“Tomorrow we will reopen all schools and offices with exception of those schools that remain in a mandatory evacuation zone,” LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said Sunday evening.
LAUSD schools were initially closed on Wednesday, Jan. 8, because of poor air quality from fires. Scores of schools across the area — public, private and parochial — were closed in the midst of the fires.
“We have made the decision to reopen all schools and all offices tomorrow, Jan. 13, at the regular time and hour of operation,” Carvalho said. “However, we will all open all sites based on an inclement weather protocol.”
Fires Update
Fires ravaging the area have slowed going into Sunday, including for the Palisades fire, as well as significant gains in containment for the Eaton fire.
The Palisades fire is currently estimated at 23,713 acres and 11% containment, and the Eaton fire at an estimated 14,117 acres — while the containment estimate jumped overnight from 15 to 27%, according to Cal Fire estimates.
Closures and Reopenings
LAUSD schools in the highest impact areas would remain closed due to mandatory evacuation orders, including Canyon Charter Elementary, Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary, Marquez Charter Elementary, Topanga Charter Elementary, Lanai Road Elementary, and Paul Revere Middle School.
Roscomare Road Elementary and Community Magnet Charter will continue to be monitored as they are in an evacuation warning zone.
Support for Students and Staff
“I know tomorrow will not be a standard day,” Carvalho said, with traditional studies to be put on the back burner to allow for processing and discussion of current events. “We might begin the day by speaking honestly and transparently about what we have seen in an honest but age appropriate way with our children.”
“I do not want anyone to feel pressed into reading, mathematics, iReady — none of that matters necessarily tomorrow,” Carvalho said. “Tomorrow is about welcoming individuals back to our school system, creating a level of comfort, of empathy and care for everyone.”
He also announced that the district will provide paid time off, up to five days of paid time off, to any employees in the school system, certificated or classified, that may have been relocated, evacuated, or may have lost their home. Additionally, each employee who was displaced will receive $500.
Conclusion
As the district navigates the challenges posed by the wildfires, it is clear that the well-being and safety of students and staff are the top priority. The reopening plan is designed to provide a sense of normalcy and comfort, while also acknowledging the extraordinary circumstances.
FAQs
Q: Which schools will remain closed due to mandatory evacuation orders?
A: Canyon Charter Elementary, Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary, Marquez Charter Elementary, Topanga Charter Elementary, Lanai Road Elementary, and Paul Revere Middle School.
Q: Which schools will continue to be monitored due to evacuation warning zones?
A: Roscomare Road Elementary and Community Magnet Charter.
Q: What support will be provided to students and staff affected by the wildfires?
A: Paid time off, up to five days of paid time off, and $500 for each employee who was displaced.
Q: When will the district reopen?
A: Most LAUSD schools will reopen on Monday, Jan. 13, with the exception of those in mandatory evacuation zones.
