Pasadena Unified to Provide Eaton Fire Recovery Update on Monday

The City Council and the Pasadena Unified School District Board on Monday will hear an update on the school district’s recovery efforts after the devastating Eaton Fire.

The fire destroyed thousands of buildings in Altadena and impacted buildings in Pasadena, destroyed five schools within the Pasadena Unified School District, displacing approximately 1,500 students and disrupting education for thousands more.

Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School, Franklin Elementary School (closed since 2020), and three charter schools: Aveson, Odyssey, and Pasadena Rosebud Academy were decimated by the fire. Additionally, St. Mark’s School and Pasadena Waldorf School, both private schools, suffered significant damage.

In response, Pasadena Unified School District initiated a phased reopening plan, aimed at returning all students to schools by the end of January. The initial phase included reopening Hamilton Elementary, Willard Elementary, San Rafael Elementary, Blair Middle School, Rose City High School, and CIS Academy, pending environmental safety clearances.

To accommodate displaced students, the District has utilized temporary learning spaces, including churches and portable classrooms. Efforts are ongoing to provide mental health support, housing assistance, and other resources to affected families and staff.

At that time, Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco emphasized the District’s commitment to rebuilding and supporting the community.

“We recognize the critical role that schools play in all of Pasadena’s neighborhoods, not only to educate our children, but to connect and support our community.”