At the California School Boards Association, our hearts go out to the numerous school districts and county offices of education affected by the major wildfires that continue to plague our state. CSBA remains committed to supporting California’s public-school students and those who work to serve and support them, and to helping our members navigate the impacts of these fires.
ADA funding for LEAs affected by wildfires (J-13A form)
(Note: All instructional time and attendance accounting requirements in place prior to 2020–21 are back in effect for 2021–22 and 22-23)
School Emergency Reporting System (SERS)
The California Department of Education’s School Emergency Reporting System allows CDE and local educational agencies to communicate and quickly share critical information with each other in the event of a natural disaster or other urgent incident. The system will facilitate the identification of needs and the rapid response of resource distribution and support for schools when there is an incident.
SERS Login | Video: Training Webinar | Training slides
Local educational agencies affected by wildfire may contact Joe Anderson and Carlos Garcia with the CDE Emergency Services Team: EmergencyServices@cde.ca.gov
CSBA resources
- Webinar: "Saved by the Bell: Emergency response in California public schools" (10/24/22) | View the webinar | Download slides
- Trial by Fire: Schools rebuild after 2017 fires (California Schools magazine, Spring 2018) | Read the article
- Video: CSBA Education Insights: Out of the Fire: A school district perspective on natural disaster response | Watch the video
- School air quality guidelines and recommendations (produced by a coalition including CSBA, ACSA, CDE, CA Air Resources Board and others) | Read the guidelines
- Lessons shared as spotlight shines on school disaster preparedness and recovery | Visit the CSBA blog
Additional resources
California Department of Education: Wildfire resources | Disaster and emergency resources | Guidance on reopening following a disaster | School Emergency Reporting System
Current FEMA disaster declarations
CalFire: Incidents | Prepare
Cal OES: Disaster readiness | Preparedness Ambassadors curriculum
CalEPA fire response and recovery
Airnow.gov (real-time air quality monitoring)
Video: Congressional testimony on wildfire preparedness and response efforts | In this C-Span video, U.S. Fire Administration Administrator Lori Moore-Merrel and state emergency management officials testify on the threats and impact of wildfires before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. They discuss managing wildfire risks, collaboration between state and federal agencies for response, and increasing workforce pay. In addition, evacuation preparedness is covered as they reference deadly wildfires in Paradise, California, and Lahaiana, Hawaii.
CSBA partners
CSBA provides a wide range of products and services that may help school districts and county offices of education affected by wildfires navigate some of the enormous challenges posed by such events, including:
Funding opportunities
Project SERV (School Emergency Response to Violence), USDOE | Information | Quick guide
From California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES): Public Assistance | Individual Assistance (community assistance, not LEA-based)