LOS ANGELES, CA (MPG) – Governor Gavin Newsom signed Jan. 14 an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms. A copy of the executive order can be found here.

“We are using the full force of the state government to respond to the Los Angeles firestorms and ensure recovery for the thousands of residents who have been impacted by this unimaginable loss, including school-aged children. The executive order I signed today will help bring back some sense of normalcy for our youth by eliminating barriers to getting them back learning in school,” said Newsom.

The executive order issued by Governor Newsom will:

Suspend a number of state rules to allow displaced students to attend school outside of their district  

Make it easier for schools damaged or destroyed in the fires to use temporary facilities

Help schools avoid penalties for not meeting minimum school year requirements

Direct state agencies to work with schools with destroyed or damaged schools to develop a plan for serving displaced students and rebuilding

“Our impacted school communities are facing unimaginable and devastating circumstances,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “We have their backs. We must provide students with access to the best possible educational experiences, prioritizing providing continuity, community and opportunity for our children at every turn. We will ensure that our school communities get the resources and flexibility needed to recover, rebuild and continue providing quality educational opportunities for every student.”

The Governor has already signed multiple executive orders to get rapid help to those affected by the recent fires, including: suspending permitting and supporting ongoing firefighting.

Governor Newsom will continue to work administratively and with the Legislature to assist impacted communities.

State’s all-in response

California has deployed more than 15,000 personnel and a combined 1,900 fire engines, water tenders, aircraft, and bulldozers. Over the past week, Governor Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued four executive orders to support communities affected by the ongoing fires, and President Biden quickly approved Governor Newsom’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support ongoing response efforts. The state also received continued federal assistance to combat the Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades Fires. 

Get help today

Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.  

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

By calling 800-621-3362

By using the FEMA smart phone application

Assistance is available in over 40 languages

If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.