Report Provides Critical Analysis on LAUSD's Path Forward
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.
Download the Full Report
Key Findings
As LAUSD faces the aftermath of devastating January 2025 wildfires while navigating significant federal policy shifts, coordinated action is essential to ensure recovery and build long-term resilience for the district’s students and families.
- The January 2025 wildfires have caused unprecedented disruption, burning 40,000+ acres, destroying at least a dozen schools, and affecting more than 700,000 students and staff through closures and displacements.
- Economic impacts from the wildfires are severe and widespread, with projected business disruption losses of $4.6-8.9 billion over five years, 8,200 jobs lost in the first year alone, and over 11,000 homes destroyed—exacerbating the region's housing crisis.
- Federal policy changes have created heightened uncertainty for immigrant families, with increased immigration enforcement and the removal of "safe zone" protections for schools leading to attendance drops as high as 20% on some days.
- The combined impact of these crises disproportionately affects already vulnerable populations, with 80% of LAUSD students being economically disadvantaged and many experiencing housing instability, economic hardship, and trauma.
- Despite these challenges, LAUSD had been making significant progress prior to these crises, with graduation rates reaching 84%, improved test scores, and the district fully regaining pandemic learning losses in math by 2024.
Opportunities for a Coordinated Recovery
The report outlines specific roles for key stakeholders to ensure an effective and equitable recovery. LAUSD should continue implementing its strategic plan while adapting to new challenges and ensuring equitable resource distribution. Elected leaders must secure stable education funding and advocate for policies that protect displaced students and families. Philanthropic organizations can fill critical funding gaps, balance long-term investments with immediate relief, and increase support for nonprofits providing direct services to vulnerable communities. By leveraging lessons from other districts that have faced similar disasters, LAUSD can use this moment of crisis to build a more resilient, equitable education system for all students.
Download the Full Report