Looking Ahead as LAUSD Confronts Fire Recovery and Federal Policy Uncertainty

Our latest report, Looking Ahead as LAUSD Confronts Fire Recovery and Federal Policy Uncertainty, examines how the Los Angeles Unified School District faces a critical juncture as it responds to two urgent and interrelated challenges. The report explores how LAUSD’s immediate crisis response could shape long-term educational outcomes for hundreds of thousands of students. The report also looks at how other school districts have recovered from similar disasters—including Lahaina after the 2023 wildfires, New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, and California communities affected by previous wildfires—to identify successful strategies for building resilience. It reveals that while LAUSD has taken important initial steps to stabilize schools and protect students, sustainable recovery will require continued coordination across multiple stakeholders, innovative approaches to resource allocation, and unwavering commitment to educational equity.