Topline:
A new report from a state advisory agency recommends California provide more money for schools damaged by the Eaton and Palisades fires and create guidelines to help campuses reopen safely after future fires.
The backstory: January’s fires damaged or destroyed eight public schools in Pasadena, Altadena and the Palisades. Dozens more schools were closed for several weeks for cleaning and repairs. California lawmakers passed a bill in April that allocated $1 million to the state’s Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) to provide recommendations to the state on how to improve school recovery.
Fewer students, less money: Many Pasadena and Palisades schools had declining enrollment before the fires — and the report projects even fewer students will attend in the coming years. This creates a financial strain for schools because enrollment is linked to state funding.
“The school reflects the community,” said FCMAT CEO Michael Fine. “If the community isn't going to rebuild or is going to be slow about it, then the recovery for the school is also gonna be slow.” The report recommends a one-time payment of $4 million to the Pasadena Unified School District and a temporary change to the funding formula for charter schools to increase the amount of money they get each year.
Reopening guidance needed: One challenge for schools affected by January’s fires was a lack of clear guidance about what steps to take to safely reopen campuses. For example, where, when and how often to test for toxins on surfaces and in the soil. District and school leaders had to consult local, state and federal agencies. FCMAT recommended the state convene a taskforce to establish clear criteria for when students can safely return to schools and best practices for cleanup.