The advance of multiple wildfires, specifically the Palisades and Eaton fires, has led to the widespread closure of school districts across Los Angeles County. At least 19 school districts have been affected, prompting full or partial closures as announced by the L.A. County Office of Education. These measures impact thousands of students, their families, and school staff members, exemplifying the severity of the natural disaster’s reach and the district officials’ determination to prioritize safety. The nature and extent of these closures vary, reflecting the diverse challenges and logistical considerations that each district is facing.
Impacted School Districts
Alhambra Unified and Arcadia Unified
Alhambra Unified has closed all schools, including before- and after-school programs and activities. Superintendent Denise Jaramillo has mentioned that the district is monitoring weather conditions and will provide updates as necessary. No further decision has been made regarding the reopening date for the subsequent days. The district officials are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff. In a similar fashion, Arcadia Unified has opted to close all schools, district events, and services, which includes athletics and after-school programs. Ongoing assessments will determine the schedule for the rest of the week. These closures aim to mitigate the risks posed by the fires and ensure that everyone remains safe during this precarious period.
Azusa Unified and Burbank Unified
In response to the wildfires, Azusa Unified has closed all schools to allow staff to assess any potential damage and ensure the safety of students and faculty upon their return. The district has committed to providing timely updates through email, their website, and social media platforms. Meanwhile, Burbank Unified has also closed schools, with no child care services available and after-school activities canceled. The anticipated reopening date for Burbank Unified’s schools is January 9. Both districts emphasize the importance of readiness and safety in the face of the advancing fires, utilizing various communication channels to keep the community informed and engaged.
Responses and Considerations
Duarte Unified and El Monte City School District
Duarte Unified has been compelled to close all schools following power outages that have affected the district office and schools. This decision, noted on the district’s Instagram page, underscores the importance of maintaining safe operational conditions in light of the ongoing natural disaster. Similarly, El Monte City School District has closed all schools, including Head Start programs, with an expected reopening on Thursday. As part of their precautionary measures, a planned science camp trip for 6th-grade students will be postponed. Both districts underscore the necessity of ensuring that the physical school environments are safe and operational before welcoming students back.
Glendale Unified and La Cañada Unified
Glendale Unified has opted to close its schools due to road and air quality issues, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its students and staff. A decision on reopening will be made later on Wednesday, with district officials closely monitoring conditions and remaining in constant communication with families. La Cañada Unified has similarly closed its schools, with a reopening anticipated on January 9. These decisions highlight the proactive measures taken by district officials to safeguard their communities, illustrating the complexity and breadth of considerations involved in responding to natural disasters.
Logistical Challenges
Las Virgenes Unified and Los Angeles Unified
Las Virgenes Unified has encountered significant logistical challenges as Southern California Edison turned off power at multiple schools, necessitating closures. Reopening is anticipated for the upcoming Thursday, pending power restoration, which is critical for safe and effective school operations. Los Angeles Unified has also been affected, necessitating the closure of selected schools with specific measures implemented for students and staff. Online learning resources have been provided to ensure continuity of education. The schools affected include Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Canyon Charter Elementary, Marquez Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary, Paul Revere Charter Middle, Topanga Elementary Charter, and a change of venue for the Zoo Magnet at North Hollywood High School.
Monrovia Unified and Mountain View School District
Monrovia Unified’s response includes closing schools to assess damages caused by the wind and determine the schedule for the rest of the week. The district officials are focused on ensuring that the school environments are safe before reopening. Mountain View School District has also closed all schools due to significant hazards and accessibility issues resulting from the windstorm event. The district will perform assessments on Wednesday to decide on a reopening date. These steps highlight the importance of addressing the immediate physical and environmental challenges posed by the wildfires and associated weather conditions, prioritizing student and staff safety above all else.
Safety and Communication
Pasadena Unified and Rosemead School District
Pasadena Unified has opted to close its schools, ensuring that meal provisions remain available at designated locations. This decision reflects the district’s commitment to student welfare even amid disruptions. The reopening decision will be announced later on Wednesday, with officials remaining vigilant about evolving conditions. Meanwhile, Rosemead School District has closed schools as well, citing high winds. A planned reopening is scheduled for January 9, following thorough campus assessments to guarantee safety. Both districts highlight critical elements of proactive planning and effective communication, ensuring that communities remain informed and supported during uncertain times.
San Marino Unified and Santa Monica-Malibu Unified
San Marino Unified has closed all four schools within the district due to power outages and debris concerns. The reopening is planned for January 9, contingent upon the outcomes of ongoing consultations. Santa Monica-Malibu Unified has similarly closed its schools, with staff working from home, save for emergency and maintenance personnel who continue to report for duty. Post-assessment reopening information is anticipated, as officials work to ensure the schools are ready to welcome students back safely. These districts’ approaches underline the necessity of adaptive and responsive strategies in dealing with natural disasters, focusing on protecting their communities while maintaining operational readiness.
Operational Adjustments
South Pasadena Unified and Temple City Unified
South Pasadena Unified has closed its schools due to power outages related to the wind storms and nearby fire activity. The schools are scheduled to reopen on January 9, contingent upon improved conditions. Temple City Unified has similarly closed its schools, prompted by power outages, downed trees, and campus damage. The district will conduct damage assessments to inform reopening decisions and has rescheduled a previously planned student-free day on January 29 as a regular school day. These adjustments reflect the districts’ flexible responses to unpredictable conditions, aiming to minimize educational disruptions while prioritizing safety.
Valle Lindo
The spread of multiple wildfires, particularly the Palisades and Eaton fires, has necessitated the widespread closure of numerous school districts throughout Los Angeles County. To date, at least 19 school districts have experienced either full or partial closures, as declared by the L.A. County Office of Education. These drastic measures affect thousands of students, their families, and school staff members, highlighting the severity and reach of this natural disaster. The district officials are firmly committed to prioritizing safety. The closures’ nature and extent differ, reflecting the various challenges and logistical complexities that each district faces. The immediate threat posed by the fires has forced educational authorities to take swift action to protect the community. These measures illustrate the unpredictable and far-reaching impact these wildfires have, underscoring the challenges faced by districts in ensuring the well-being of all those involved in the educational system during such emergencies.
