LA Wildfires Close and Destroy Schools

(Updated 1/21/25) The destruction wrought by the current wildfires in Los Angeles has not only closed hundreds of schools but destroyed several. Our sympathy goes out to all those affected by this catastrophe, including the school leaders who are facing the difficult task of managing these unprecedented challenges. We understand that faculty, staff and families have lost homes and businesses, and more are still at risk; our sympathy extends to those groups as well.

These external resources may be of interest:

• More on the school closures: “ Through the Lens: LA Wildfires Reduce Classrooms to Ashes, Uproot Students’ Lives” and "LA Schools Reopen, But Recovery Will Be Long and Painful" (The 74) 
• Cal-ISBOA has been providing California independent schools with resources to help deal with the present crisis.
• Legal guidance: "FAQ Regarding Schools’ Options to Assist Families and Employees Impacted by Wildfires" (Liebert Cassidy Whitmore)
• Financial guidance: "CA Wildfire Disaster Relief: A Guide for Nonprofits" (CLA)
• Financial guidance for families: "New Tax Relief in Federal Disaster Areas: Learn the Benefits" (CLA)

In addition, NBOA offers the following resources, which may prove helpful to schools during this extremely difficult time. Schools that are considering how they might prepare for climate-change related disasters may also find these useful.

• SECURE 2.0 Allows Savings Access in Disasters (news item 2025)
• Recipe for Recovery: Preparing for Wildfires, Quakes, Wind and Water (2023 NBOA Annual Meeting Session)
• Educational Resilience in Maui's Wildfire Aftermath (2023 Net Assets article)
• The Fires Next Time: Climate Change and Business Continuity (2019 Net Assets article)
• Town and Gown and Common Ground (featuring fire response at the Cate School in Southern California, 2018 Net Assets article)
• Risk & Compliance: Developing a Business Continuity Plan (2018 Net Assets article)
• Business Continuity Plan Templates (2015 NBOA Library Entry)