PUSD signage at the District’s office (Photo – Staff)
Pasadena Unified District officials expressed their deep understanding of the community’s concerns about the reopening of schools, acknowledging the profound loss and disruption caused by the disaster.
By John Boucher
With more than two-thirds of students forced to evacuate and nearly half of district staff living in evacuation zones, the road to recovery has been challenging.
The fire severely damaged five PUSD school sites, leaving many others covered in ash and debris. In response, district staff and the Board of Education have made the reopening of schools a priority. “We share your grief and have focused on returning to in-person learning as quickly and safely as possible,” said Superintendent, Elizabeth Blanco in a statement to the community. “Our goals have been to reopen schools, restore and rebuild our community, and rise stronger than ever.”
Each school is undergoing extensive cleaning, which includes the removal of debris, air filtration, and sanitation of surfaces and outdoor areas. Over 1,500 PUSD staff and contractors have worked to remove more than 82 tons of debris to ensure a safe return. Safety remains the district’s highest priority, and each school will undergo environmental testing before reopening.
Don Benito Fundamental and the Cleveland site are being prepared to welcome additional community members to their campuses.
The district has adopted a phased approach for reopening schools, with those closest to the fire requiring the most time for cleaning. Schools will open in stages, starting with the campuses farthest from the fire, followed by the remaining schools between January 27 and 30. The process also includes relocating school communities affected by the fire. Efforts have been made to ensure continuity of education, space availability, and keeping school communities together, including charter schools.
“We understand that no plan is perfect,” Blanco explained. “We have made every effort to return to normalcy under very difficult circumstances.” To ensure the best possible experience for students, the district is also offering space in PUSD schools to impacted charter schools, with individual school leaders working on their reopening plans.
While the reopening of schools is a significant step forward, there is still much work to be done. The district has committed to continued support for students and families and is focused on restoring the community. However, the district will not be prepared to host external groups or meetings on school campuses until March 1, 2025. In the meantime, virtual meetings are encouraged to keep displaced families and community members informed.
The district expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from parents, community partners, and educators. “We are thankful for the love and support we’ve received from our community,” said Blanco. “We are all working together to help our children and families recover and rebuild.”
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