As wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles, the impact on the educational landscape has been profound. Over 600,000 students are facing disruptions to their schooling, with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and others in the vicinity closing down due to the hazardous conditions.
The fires have forced closures across multiple districts, including LAUSD, the nation’s second-largest school district, affecting more than 500,000 students. As flames engulf the Pacific Palisades area, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho revealed that two elementary schools might be lost and Palisades Charter High School has sustained severe damage.
In Pasadena, near the Eaton fire, the Pasadena Unified School District reported damage to five campuses in Altadena. Many districts are still evaluating the extent of destruction as fires persist.
Decisions regarding reopening are pending, with LAUSD planning to assess conditions over the weekend, while Pasadena Unified has chosen to remain closed through the following week. Meanwhile, LAUSD is setting up food distribution sites for affected families, a measure also adopted by other impacted districts.
Food Distribution Amidst School Closures
Under the ominous orange skies, families are visiting distribution centers like Hollenbeck Middle School to collect meals for their children. Students from LAUSD can receive two free meals daily at these sites.
Silvia Garcia, a resident of 43 years, expressed disbelief at the severity of the fires. “I’ve never experienced anything like [these fires],” she said, while collecting food for her children. With schools closed, she has been assisting friends with childcare, in addition to caring for her own family during this challenging time.
Rocio Manzo, another parent at the meal distribution site, echoed the sentiment of keeping children home due to poor air quality and fire unpredictability, despite the challenges it poses.
Unprecedented Challenges for LAUSD
Superintendent Carvalho, who has experienced managing schools through hurricanes in Miami, stated that the current fire situation is unlike anything faced before. “I hope the nation understands how different this is from anything that we’ve ever experienced before,” he remarked.
To support families during closures, LAUSD is providing resources including childcare and mental health services. Despite the circumstances, community members like Silvia Garcia emphasize the importance of mutual support, stating, “You have to depend on your friends… your neighbors.”
Efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy, with hopes that conditions will soon improve, allowing schools to reopen and resume regular educational activities.
