School districts across Los Angeles County have announced plans to close all or some schools as multiple fires spread across the Los Angeles area.
In total, nearly two dozen school districts have announced full or partial closures. However, some that had closed Wednesday announced that they’d be able to reopen on Thursday, in spite of bad air quality.
Alhambra Unified
All schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9.
Superintendent Denise Jaramillo wrote in a statement Wednesday that district staff need more time to inspect schools for safety.
“While our campuses have fared relatively well thus far, the air quality is expected to remain poor due to excessive dust from the winds and smoke from the fires,” Jaramillio wrote.
The statement also said “a significant number of our staff members are currently under evacuation orders, which will impact school operations and staffing levels.”
Families are advised to limit outdoor activities and keep phones and other devices charged in case of power outages.
Arcadia Unified
All schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9.
All district events and services will continue to be closed and canceled, including athletics, and after-school programs.
“Our maintenance, facilities and operations departments, and district staff continue to work to secure campuses as much as possible and do everything they can, but at this time, campuses are not safe to resume school activities,” the district said in a statement.
The district asked families not to call schools and “inundate phone lines that need to be clear for communications with local authorities.”
The district will continue to post updates online, on Facebook and in a recorded message on the emergency phone hotline—(626) 821-1783.
Azusa Unified
Schools will reopen Thursday, Jan. 9.
“After thoroughly assessing all school sites, we can confirm that our campuses are safe for students and staff to return,” the district said in a statement on its website. “The high winds caused several downed trees across our school sites and a large amount of dust, debris, and foliage. Crews are currently addressing these issues and will continue this work. Please be assured that safety is our top priority, and our school sites are safe and ready for students and staff to return.”
Baldwin Park Unified
Schools will reopen Thursday, Jan. 9.
“Power has been restored across all BPUSD campuses, and our teams have conducted safety assessments to ensure a safe environment for students and staff,” wrote Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza in a statement Tuesday.
Outdoor activities will be limited, however.
Bonita Unified School District
Most schools will reopen Thursday, Jan. 9.
In a statement posted to social media, the district said power had been restored at all but three campuses: Ekstrand Elementary, La Verne Heights Elementary, and Oak Mesa Elementary, which will remain closed.
Burbank Unified
All schools remain closed through Friday, Jan. 10.
The district, which is close to the Eaton Fire, said in a statement that it would not offer childcare or after-school activities.
Charter schools
Various closures Thursday, Jan. 9.
The California Charter School Association announced that more than 70 independently operated charter schools in the area are closed including all campuses of:
Green Dot Public Schools announced the closure of four campuses on the network’s Instagram stories:
- Animo Ellen Ochoa Charter Middle School
- Animo Jackie Robinson Charter High School
- Animo Ralph Bunche Charter High School
- Animo Jefferson Charter Middle School
Duarte Unified
All schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9.
In an Instagram post, the district cited concerns about fires, poor air quality, hazardous travel conditions, and power outages in Duarte in deciding to keep schools closed.
El Monte City School District
Schools will reopen Thursday, Jan. 9.
“Outside of losing a couple of small trees, minor damages, and some power issues, all schools are secure and ready for students and staff to return,” the district said in a statement.
Garvey School District
All schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9.
Superintendent Anita Chu said in a brief statement that it plans to re-open Friday.
Glendale Unified
All schools remain closed through Friday, Jan. 10.
Child care and district offices will also be closed. The district offers tips for helping families cope with the fires and stay safe online.
The district previously cited the accessibility of roadways and air quality in its decision to close schools.
Glendora Unified
Schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9.
While the district had anticipated reopening schools Thursday, “unfortunately, power remains down at four sites and internet and communication services are unavailable throughout the district,” it announced Wednesday night.
The school will provide grab-and-go lunches from 11 a.m. to noon at:
- Glendora High School: 1600 E Foothill Blvd., Glendora
- Stanton Elementary School: 725 S Vecino Dr., Glendora
La Cañada Unified
All schools remain closed through Friday, Jan. 10.
“The devastating wildfires and winds are tragically impacting our community,” the district said in a statement. “Please remain safe and connected. We will work together as a strong and loving community to build back and support each other.”
Las Virgenes Unified
All schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9.
In a statement posted to the district’s Facebook page earlier this week, Superintendent Dan Stepenosky said that Southern California Edison had turned off the power at a number of schools.
Los Angeles Unified
All schools will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 9.
The district announced Wednesday evening that all schools and offices will be closed Thursday, while some essential employees will report to work.
LAUSD, other school districts remain closed Thursday as fires expand around Los Angeles
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said in a press conference that unpredictable winds and ongoing fires prompted the shutdown.
“A number of clouds of smoke, dust, have permeated into our communities, making conditions less than desirable, and in some instances, downright dangerous,” Carvalho said.
The district is preparing for the possibility of online learning Friday, Jan. 10 and will announce a decision about whether to extend school closures by 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon.
Resources
The district will distribute meals to LAUSD students from 8–10 a.m. Thursday at:
Families may receive two meals per student.
Students can find academic support through LAUSD’s Continuity of Learning plan.
Mental health
The Palisades fire reached the campuses of three LAUSD schools.
Palisades Charter Elementary School and Marquez Charter Elementary School were destroyed.
“ We were on site and could not believe what we were witnessing,” Carvalho said. He said the school’s 700 students will be relocated.
In addition, Carvalho said that a large portion of Palisades High, which is not currently in session, was destroyed.
Monrovia Unified
All schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9.
Superintendent Paula Hart Rodas cited high winds and power outages in a statement announcing the extended closure.
“Our team is continuing to assess the damage caused by the windstorm and will provide an update on the status of our schools tomorrow,” Rodas wrote.
Mountain View School District
Schools will reopen Thursday, Jan. 9.
“Though we experienced some damage, including downed trees, limbs, canopy failures, and fencing displacement, our facilities have held up well overall,” the district said in a statement.
It did warn of air quality problems, however. “We may be in the unhealthy range. Therefore, we will continue to assess the situation and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our students and staff, including providing indoor locations for students to remain during breaks,” the statement said.
Pasadena Unified
All schools remain closed through Friday, Jan. 10.
As the Eaton Fire continued to burn Wednesday the district announced school closures would extend through the end of the week.
“This allows our teams time to assess the conditions of our facilities and for our employees, students, and families to begin reestablishing some normalcy,” Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco wrote in a statement.
The district is also suspending grab-and-go meals because the facility where the food is stored is within a mandatory evacuation zone.
Rosemead School District
Schools will reopen Thursday, Jan. 9.
The district said in an Instagram statement that air quality would be monitored.
“Air filtration systems will be running in all classrooms throughout the day, and masks will be available to any student or staff member who wishes to use one,” the statement said. “All schools will also follow ‘rainy day schedules,’ which will limit outdoor activities. Activities during recess and lunch will be adjusted accordingly to ensure student safety.”
San Gabriel Unified
All schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9.
Superintendent Jim Symonds wrote in a statement that high winds are forecasted through Wednesday evening and poor air quality is expected from smoke, ash and dust.
“We will continue to monitor conditions and hope to return all students and staff to campuses on Friday, January 10 so long as conditions improve,” Symonds wrote.
He said while campuses have “fared well thus far,” staff need time to inspect facilities.
San Marino Unified
Schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9.
Despite hopes to reopen, Superintendent Linda de la Torre said in a statement that in addition to safety concerns, “approximately 60% of our workforce live near or in areas currently under evacuation orders due to fires exacerbated by the windstorm. Many of our valued employees have been evacuated or are otherwise dealing with significant challenges, and our thoughts are with them and their families during this difficult time.”
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified
All schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9.
Santa Monica-Malibu USD announced late Wednesday afternoon that that all schools will remain closed Thursday because of ongoing safety concerns and poor air quality.
“We watch with all of you in disbelief the devastation and displacement caused by the Palisades fire, which continues to grow and evade containment,” Superintendent Antonio Shelton wrote in a statement.
The district has collected resources for families online and is offering grab-and-go meals for students on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at:
The district anticipates deciding by Thursday afternoon whether schools will remain closed through the end of the week.
South Pasadena Unified
All schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 8.
The closure includes the district office, before- and after-school programs and activities.
“A significant percentage of our employees and neighbors are under evacuation orders, evacuation warnings, or have lost their homes,” Superintendent Geoff Yantz wrote in a statement.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has experienced hardships.”
Yantz said it is difficult to safely operate schools without enough staff.
The decision to close schools was made in consultation with neighboring districts and the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
Temple City Unified
All schools remain closed Thursday, Jan. 9.
“Thank you again for your patience as we prioritize the health and safety of our school community,” the district said in a statement.
It has not yet made a determination about Friday.
Valle Lindo
Schools will reopen Thursday, Jan. 9.
In a statement, Superintendent Elizabeth Evans alluded to the poor air quality.
“In light of the ongoing fires and air quality concerns,” she said, the district will put several safety measures in place:
- Outdoor activities, including physical education classes, will take place indoors.
- Nutrition, recess, and lunch periods will also be held indoors.
- Masks will be available upon request at school offices.
- Student services staff will be available to support students who have concerns.
More fire coverage
These fires are fast-moving and straight up frightening. For the most up-to-date information about the fire you can check:
Palisades Fire
Eaton Fire
Hurst Fire
First appeared on laist.com