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Board members of the Los Angeles Unified School District approved a proposal Tuesday to move forward with plans to rebuild and restore two primary and single high schools in Pallisard in the Pacific that were affected by the Palisade fire in January.
Marquez Charter Primary School was a complete loss, while Pallisard Charter High School suffered 75% of the damage, according to board documents.
“We know there is a significant cost escalation as a result of the tariffs. We’re talking about steel, concrete and what’s used in construction, so we don’t want to wait.”
Efficiency is important for LAUSD manager Alberto Carvalho, who faces district-wide budget constraints. The proposed work totals over $644 million.
“These spendings are subject to immediate reimbursement starting with insurance coverage that could cover the Lion’s share of costs, but we’ll seek federal reimbursement dollars through FEMA,” he said. “Given what we’re talking about California, we’re asking for these refunds from Washington, DC, so considering what people have gone through, I hope politics isn’t going to happen.”
He also believes students and families will return to Pallisade, and demographers estimate that many long-time residents will not rebuild, and that they will create a room for families with young children.
Nick Melboyne, a school board member representing the fire-damaged neighborhood, said he believes Pallisard will return even stronger.
“It’s an idyllic community, Oceanview, Rolling Hills, and I think it’s going to make fire resistant even more,” Melboyne said.
Some of the proposed projects will not be completed until 2029.
The plan includes creating temporary classrooms and offices for the two schools during construction.
“Bungalows are falling in Pali High and Marquez. We can do infrastructure, water, electricity and safety tests to get our kids back by fall,” Melboyn said.
The district said it will continue testing to ensure health and safety are considered before students return to campus during cleanup, construction and reconstruction.
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