Local news channels covered the press conference held at Palisades Elementary that included L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, LAUSD Superintendent Albert Carvalho, ACE Colonel Brian Sawser and LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin.
A press conference was held this morning at Palisades Charter Elementary School to mark the debris removal from that campus.
Palisades Charter High School, which suffered about 30 percent damage at the campus, was cleared in February. Marquez Charter Elementary was totally destroyed by fire and was cleared mid-March. Pali was about 70 percent damaged and was cleared this past week.
“These schools are anchors in our community and clearing them brings us closer to rebuilding and reopening for our students and families,” said Councilwoman Traci Park. “I’m grateful to the Army Corps for their swift work.”
The fire was on a Tuesday, and by the following Monday Pali students and their teachers were absorbed in the Brentwood Science Magnet, and students from Marquez were placed at Nora Sterry Elementary. High School students are online but hope to be at a physical campus by the middle of this month.
Army Corp of Engineers (ACE) Colonel Brian Sawser praised CTI, a company based in Long Beach, which was responsible for the debris removal. “They performed the work ahead of schedule,” said Sawser, who has been in charge of debris removal in Pacific Palisades. He has worked closely with LAUSD at the three campuses.
Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Albert Carvalho, promised to “rebuild the school in record time.” He said that they would have portables on the campus by next fall, but that parents would not be forced to do anything they were uncomfortable with. If they wanted to stay at the school, they are currently attending, they would be accommodated. “You will have options,” he said more than once. “We’re not going to force anyone to do anything they’re uncomfortable with.”
Money to rebuild the schools will come from the $9 billion school bond bill that passed in November. He said that $150 million will be spent for each elementary school and that slightly more than that will be spent at the high school.
The district will also use the $50 million from insurance and “we are seeking money from FEMA,” Carvalho said and noted that even before the fire LAUSD had built in a cushion for building costs escalation.
Phase 1 was ensuring the students had a school and meeting with parents. Phase 2 was the debris removal and addressing environmental concerns. Now, “we are in the process of hiring architects and contractors. We will rebuild better and stronger,” Carvalho said.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said that the schools are fast-tracked rebuilding through executive orders. She did not specify which orders they were.
LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin said the school and ACE are prioritizing debris removal in the half-mile radius of the schools, so that when kids do return they will not be in a burn scar. “Today marks a critical milestone in our recovery, we’re turning the page and moving full speed ahead toward rebuilding,” he said.
The school system in Pacific Palisades is a reason that many families moved to the area or applied by the charter system to be able attend these top schools. The three elementary schools, Canyon, Palisades and Marquez are feeder schools for Paul Revere Middle School, which feeds into the high school.
CTI, a local construction company CTI cleared the debris at Palisades Elementary and included CEO Robin S. Thorne and program managers Nikki Johnson and Walter Johnson. They joined Colonel Brian Sawser at Pali Elementary this morning.
(Editor’s note: In 1994, parents fought to have more control over the schools and the charter complex was created.
Pali schools are now among the top-ranked in the city and also rank high in the state.
Canyon is ranked #49 in California Schools (#5 in LAUSD). There are 5,856 Elementary Schools in the state.
Marquez is ranked #331 in California Schools (#25 in LAUSD).
Palisades Elementary is ranked #410 in California schools (#30 in LAUSD)
Revere is ranked #192 of California Middle Schools (#4 in LAUSD).There are 1,313 middle schools.
Palisades High School is ranked #110 among Los Angeles and Orange County (#249 in California) there are 1,297 High Schools in Ca.
This editor served on the Charter Schools Foundation Board for several years to keep this charter system intact. Most “new” parents have no understanding of the history of the Palisades schools. Perhaps the most maligned school among local parents is Revere, ranked #4 in LAUSD. Of the elementary, middle and high schools, my three children had their best experience at Revere. The teachers and staff understand children who are transitioning into teens.)
Very nice article, Sue. It captures the achievements of our community through commitment, hard work, and love. Thank you.