Funding Available For Schools Closed Due To Hazardous Air Quality

Brad Waller, Vice President for Communications

  bwaller@capta.org / (951) 314-3707

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and California State PTA remind educators who have closed schools because of dangerous air quality that they can apply for a waiver to ensure they do not lose funding because of a drop in attendance. Torlakson also pledged that these schools will be assisted by administrators from the California Department of Education.

State law allows schools to continue to receive state funds from the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) if they have to close because of a natural disaster such as floods, fires, earthquakes or other extraordinary conditions, such as hazardous air quality.

“The wildfires burning across California have had a deep impact on the lives of our families, our friends, our neighbors and our communities. California State PTA supports and appreciates the school districts who have had to make the decision to close schools in order to keep students and school staff safe,” said California State PTA President Dianna MacDonald.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Torlakson also encouraged schools facing poor air quality to keep students indoors during recess and meals. Air quality information is available at http://www.airnow.gov, and wildfire information is available from the CAL FIRE website at http://www.fire.ca.gov.

Visit the American Red Cross, Salvation Army or California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund for more information on where to send a financial gift, or to find a local blood drive to help victims.

For more information on the forms that need to be submitted, as well as additional information and resources on fire safety, visit the California Department of Education’s website at bit.ly/CADeptofEdFireResources.

About California State PTA:

California State PTA connects families, schools and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public-education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child-advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health and well-being of all children and families. For more information: www.capta.org.