An executive order signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom aims to provide support for students impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The order, signed on Tuesday, includes provisions to allow displaced students to attend schools outside of their district and facilitates the use of temporary facilities for schools damaged or destroyed by the fires.
In a statement, Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of eliminating barriers to ensure that students can resume their education and return to a sense of normalcy following the wildfires. The order also grants schools flexibility in meeting minimum school year requirements and directs state government entities to develop a comprehensive plan for student support, rebuilding efforts, and moving forward.
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond expressed his commitment to providing resources and flexibility for school communities to recover, rebuild, and continue delivering quality educational opportunities to every student. The order achieves its objectives by suspending various state rules, codes, and regulations, waiving permits, and extending funding deadlines.
Newsom had previously declared a state of emergency on January 7 in response to the wildfires and signed another executive order on Sunday to temporarily suspend certain requirements under state environmental laws to expedite the rebuilding process for fire victims.
