LAUSD school classes canceled due to hazardous air quality conditions

On Wednesday morning, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced that about 100 schools in the central and eastern parts of the district would be closed due to hazardous air quality conditions. These schools are located north of Manchester Boulevard/Firestone Boulevard, east of 10th Avenue, west of Interstate 710, and south of Highway 134.

Carvalho said today is not a typical day and asks for flexibility, patience, and grace to keep the students and community safe. 

“After a great deal of consultation overnight with experts looking at the data and considering the fact that air quality conditions deteriorated significantly overnight, we have made the decision to shut down a number of schools, particularly in the eastern part of our school system,” said Carvahlo during a press conference.  

These schools account for 10% of the total schools, about 100 out of 1,000. LAUSD will soon post a full list of schools affected. All athletic activities, games, and practices have been canceled. 

Previously, LAUSD officials said the situation “rapidly changed overnight as the Eaton fire exploded and it is prudent that we follow the science and close schools.”

Carvalho said the air quality in the schools in the eastern part of the district exceeds levels that are not appropriate for employees and students to be around and shutting down is the best option. 

“We will be making decisions about what will happen in those schools going into tomorrow by 4 p.m. today, based on the evolution conditions,” said Carvalho.

On Tuesday night, LAUSD announced school closures on Wednesday for Canyon Charter Elementary School, Marquez Charter Elementary School, Palisades Charter Elementary School, and Paul Revere Charter Middle School due to the Palisades Fire. 

Palisades Charter High School has sustained significant damage due to the fire, said Carvalho. 

LAUSD is monitoring the situation and is prepared for the possibility of online learning on Thursday, January 9, if needed. Schools will communicate with families regarding any closures, relocations, or changes to operation hours and activities.

For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter at@laschools and@lausdsup, Instagram at@laschools and@lausdsup and Facebook at@laschools and@AlbertoMCarvalho1.