In the wake of the catastrophic fires sweeping through Los Angeles, Odyssey South Charter School is confronting the daunting task of rebuilding itself while ensuring support for its families, nearly half of whom now face homelessness.
Pursuit of a New Location
Bonnie Brimecombe, the school’s principal for the past three years, had a heart-stopping moment when a colleague sent her a video showcasing the charred remains of the campus as she herself evacuated from Monrovia.
The footage revealed the devastation of classrooms, desks, books, and treasured student projects, all victims of the fierce Eaton Fire, with smoke still lingering over the wreckage.
Reflecting on the toll of the loss, Brimecombe shared her immediate shift in focus, moving from concern for the school to prioritizing the welfare of the families affected.
The surge of messages from parents, many reporting their homes had been destroyed, underscored the urgent need to address their challenges.
Located in Altadena, Odyssey South is just one of many educational institutions impacted by the recent fires, where approximately 40% of its families and 10 staff members lost their homes.
Disturbingly, 5% of the families remain unaccounted for.
As they navigate their personal challenges from the disaster, the dedicated staff at Odyssey South are working hard to restore a sense of normalcy for their students, who are reeling from the upheaval in their lives.
With the damage confirmed, Brimecombe and her team promptly turned their attention to finding a new home for the 375 students.
They began exploring alternative spaces, considering options such as other schools, churches, empty office buildings, and even a vacant retail store.
Engaging with real estate professionals and property owners willing to help became their immediate mission.
However, their search hasn’t been easy.
The uncertainty surrounding enrollment figures is a primary obstacle.
With many families evacuated to distant locations, it’s unclear how many students will eventually return.
Compounding the issue, the availability of adequate facilities in Pasadena is limited, intensifying competition among at least five other schools seeking new locations.
The Community’s Response and Emotional Strain
On a practical level, challenges abound.
While an office building seemed like a perfect fit, logistical matters like securing a sufficient number of desks and chairs remain tricky.
A nearby school proposed sharing campus space, but Brimecombe worried that dividing the student body could hinder the continuity essential for healing after such trauma.
Financial concerns further complicate Odyssey’s situation.
Currently leasing its campus, the school does have insurance, but ultimately, the timeline for rebuilding lies with the district.
While state and federal assistance may become available, being an independent charter school means Odyssey must rely heavily on its own resources.
Although fundraising efforts through bonds are restricted, the school has launched an online campaign to gather support while remaining uncertain about its exact financial needs.
Odyssey South is not alone in its struggles.
Several charter schools across Los Angeles County have faced destruction, with at least six other institutions suffering similar fates.
Two nearby schools, Pasadena Rosebud Academy and Aveson Charter School, not only sustained damage but also saw their principals lose their homes.
Keith Dell’Aquila from the California Charter Schools Association emphasized the serious challenges confronting these schools, expressing concern for leaders within their communities who are grappling with their own profound losses while managing responsibilities.
The association is advocating for the Pasadena Unified School District, which supports several affected charter schools, to help identify new facilities and allocate funds from recently approved measures intended to provide substantial financial assistance to local schools.
Stacy Connor, president of the Odyssey parent association, recounted her family’s frightening escape during the Eaton Fire.
While their home narrowly avoided disaster, they are left with significant damage requiring extensive repairs.
As she works through insurance claims and the recovery process, Connor is faced with the possibility of having to find a different school for her daughter, an unsettling prospect given the strong bonds formed within the Odyssey community.
Founded in 1999, Odyssey South serves around 850 students across two campuses, fostering a diverse demographic that consistently performs above the state academic average.
Brimecombe noted that the school’s focus on social-emotional learning will be critical as they work toward recovery.
In response to the pressing needs of students, a local Boys & Girls Club has stepped in to provide all-day care, creating a nurturing environment where children can reconnect and start processing their experiences.
The school community also organized a gathering in San Gabriel, offering families a chance to come together and share their stories, providing mutual support during this difficult time.
Brimecombe remains hopeful, emphasizing the significance of fostering connections as students begin to heal.
While the team is dedicated to reopening swiftly, she acknowledges the hard work that lies ahead and the necessity of enhancing mental health support for students.
As they push forward in their quest for a temporary location, Brimecombe and her colleagues hope to resume classes within weeks, recognizing that stability and routine will play vital roles in the recovery process for their students.
Source: The74million