California Storm: Los Angeles Schools Remain Open Amid Flood Threats

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By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Feb 06, 12:15 am

Photo: (Photo : JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The ongoing storm in Los Angeles is impacting schools district-wide, particularly in terms of student attendance. Since February 4, the city has been experiencing continuous rain and strong winds.

The rain is expected to persist until Tuesday, with a flash flood warning in effect on Monday, February 5, from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Los Angeles Unified School District Kept Schools Open

Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has chosen to keep schools open, except for those in highly affected areas.

Individual school closures, if necessary, will be determined based on safety and guidance from City and County Response teams, according to a statement on the school's Instagram account.

Families are advised to assess the safety of commuting to school in their areas, and students who stay home are assured access to resources on Schoology for online learning.

Despite the majority of LAUSD campuses being open, student attendance experienced a significant decline, with only 63% of students present compared to the usual 92%.

During a mid-morning press conference with LA Mayor Karen Bass and other officials, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho explained that the drop in attendance was anticipated after advising parents on Sunday to assess the safety of sending their children to school based on local road conditions.

Carvalho highlighted that around 90% of LAUSD teachers and staff reported to campuses.

While most school bus routes experienced delays under 30 minutes, one route encountered a 90-minute delay due to a breakdown.

School Superintendent Defends Keeping Schools Open

Carvalho emphasized the importance of keeping schools open, citing the gratitude of parents, including a single mother who needed to work.

Apart from academics, Carvalho underscored the crucial role of schools in providing meals, particularly for the 80% of LAUSD students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

He defended the decision to keep schools open, stating it was "the right call." Carvalho emphasized the decision by stating that, considering the nutritional reliance of students on school, the choice was made to maintain regular operations, with the possibility of reassessment based on changing conditions.

All but two LAUSD schools operated on Monday, redirecting students from Vinedale College Preparatory Academy and Topanga Elementary Charter School to alternative campuses due to evacuation warnings and safety considerations.

For students unable to travel to school due to unsafe road conditions, the district advised accessing educational materials through Schoology, the online learning system.

Simultaneously, several Cal State University campuses, including Cal State Northridge, Cal State L.A., and Cal State San Bernardino, canceled in-person classes, with alternative arrangements communicated to students by their instructors.

While some CSU campuses like Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Dominguez Hills, and Cal State Long Beach partially closed, UCLA and USC maintained regular classes on Monday, as announced on Sunday.

While students can complete missing work on Schoology, the school emphasizes that absences due to weather conditions will not be excused. Nevertheless, a considerable number of students have opted not to attend school due to the rain.

Teachers and students alike have observed a significant decrease in class attendance, with multiple students absent. Some classes have experienced a noticeable decline, prompting teachers to adapt lesson plans to accommodate the situation.

Students, Teachers Face Challenges

Junior Elizabeth Castillo feels that the widespread absence of students disrupted the flow of instruction unnecessarily, stating that many teachers showed up despite the rain, and indoor rooms were available.

However, sophomore Christine Coronel holds a different view, suggesting that school should have been canceled considering the city's recommendations to stay home and the declared state of emergency.

Biology teacher Ms. Peggy Shim acknowledges the challenges, understanding the potential danger in commuting for students coming from far away. She notes the importance of schools being open for families in need of childcare and food services.

Despite the differing opinions, LAUSD's decision to keep schools open during the storm is acknowledged and understood by educators like Ms. Shim.

Carvalho emphasized the decision by stating that, considering the nutritional reliance of students on school, the choice was made to maintain regular operations, with the possibility of reassessment based on changing conditions.

During a news conference on Tuesday, Carvalho disclosed that approximately 63% of students attended school on Monday, acknowledging the district's anticipation of lower attendance.

Notably, all schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu School District were closed on Monday. A flash flood warning continued in effect in Los Angeles County early on Monday.