#SMMUSD Schools Closed Wednesday 12/6, Due to Local Fires. 50 #LAUSD Schools Shut

At 6:30 am on Wednesday, 12/6/17, the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District announced that "ALL SMMUSD SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED TODAY (12/6) DUE TO NEW FIRE DEVELOPMENTS."

Update: The Los Angeles Unified School District has closed 50 schools due to the fire in the Sepulveda pass. Schools closed include Community Elementary Magnet Charter, Kenter Canyon Elementary, Roscomare Road Elementary, and Brentwood Elementary Science Magnet (students relocated to Dorsey High School). A complete list is here: http://home.lausd.net/apps/spotlightmessages/1251

"Any district office mgmt who can safely come into work should report to work. We are convening the Emergency Operations Center this morning. Stay safe everyone! Thank you."

Gail Pinsker, SMMUSD District Spokesman

This directly contradicts an e mail the District circulated at 7 pm on 12/5/17:

ALL SMMUSD SCHOOLS OPEN 12/6/17:

"Dear parents and guardians,

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding today regarding our minimum day.

The smoke in our communities caused unhealthful conditions, as has been reported by several agencies and our local City officials, which led to our decision to call for a minimum day today.

We have evaluated the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health communications, discussed parent and staff comments and concerns, and we have decided to keep school open tomorrow, Dec. 6, 2017.

In speaking with staff and teachers throughout the district, we understand that indoor air was uncomfortable in some rooms, however, we feel that it is important to provide the care and education of students on a scheduled school day, unless the situation becomes unsafe. Schools will have indoor schedules tomorrow with no outdoor activity planned. Student athletes should check with their coach for status of practice or games.

Parents may keep their child home tomorrow as an excused absence. We respect the rights of parents to make decisions that are best for their children's health. Please contact your school office if you are keeping your student home tomorrow.

Conditions may change overnight or in the morning so please continue to watch your email, along with Twitter @smmusd and the SMMUSD Facebook page.

Also, please download our mobile app to get immediate notifications on your smart phone for the schools you choose and the district office. (Download from your app store: Santa Monica-Malibu USD.)

Information is also posted on our school websites and will be updated with any changes.

We are watching this situation closely. We thank our firefighters and first responders who are working day and night to keep us as safe as possible from these wildfire threats.

Here is a video shared by Senator Ben Allen that is relevant to families in Santa Monica and Malibu about health and safety measures during a smoke advisory.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Smoke advisory , Dec. 5, 2017.

Thank you.

Dr. Ben Drati, Superintendent, SMMUSD