Most LAUSD schools to reopen, district officials say

Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho held a press conference Sunday afternoon to update families and staff as most schools are set to reopen Monday.

As wildfires continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles, particularly the Palisades Fire which has burned nearly 24,000 acres and is only 11% contained, as well as the Eaton Fire near Pasadena which has scorched more than 14,000 acres and stands at 27% contained, schools in the district have remained closed.  

In a news release, LAUSD officials said most district offices and schools will open Monday as conditions have improved for a majority of areas across the city and authorities believe it is safe for students and employees to return to their respective campuses.

“Some schools in the highest impact areas will remain closed due to mandatory evacuation orders. This includes Canyon Charter Elementary, Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary, Marquez Charter Elementary, Topanga Charter Elementary, Lanai Road Elementary, and Paul Revere Middle School,” the release noted. “The schools will reopen as soon as the conditions allow, at which time, we will notify families.” 

Officials added that they continue to monitor schools that are within evacuation warning zones

Now, battle-weary firefighters are bracing for the return of strong Santa Ana winds. 

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for elevated to critical fire weather conditions across the region, which are expected to persist through Wednesday. 

“Moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds will affect the typical Santa Ana Wind Corridors on Saturday to Sunday and again Monday through Wednesday,” the NWS stated. “These winds combined with dry air and dry vegetation will keep the fire weather threat in the area.” 

The Weather Service said gusts could reach 30 to 50 mph in many areas, with the strongest winds in wind-prone mountains and foothills potentially reaching 50 to 75 mph. 

“We will be monitoring conditions throughout the evening and overnight. A 10 p.m. update will be posted at lausd.org,” district officials said. “Should anything change, we will begin notifying families and employees of any changes by 5:30 a.m. on Monday.”

The complete press conference can be viewed in the video player below.