San Marino Unified reports damage, closures and student support after Eaton Fire and windstorm

San Marino Unified School District Superintendent Dr. De La Torre told the board on Jan. 14 that the district closed schools for several days after “hurricane strength winds” and the Eaton Fire caused debris, small fires, displaced roof tiles and power outages across district campuses.

The update outlined why the district closed Wednesday through Friday last week and how staff responded. “We determined that 60% of our school district workforce lives either in or around the evacuated areas,” Dr. De La Torre said, noting many employees were evacuated or temporarily without power. He credited site principals, maintenance staff and outside contractors for cleanup and mitigation work.

Why it matters: the closures and damage directly affected instruction, staffing and families. The district said several families and staff lost homes; schools and district staff coordinated short‑term supports and are evaluating enrollment for displaced students.

District assessment and response

District leaders said Carver Elementary sustained the most damage: two small fires that were extinguished, large mature bushes uprooted, fallen branches and dislodged Spanish‑style roof tiles. The district contracted a tree‑removal firm and asked custodial and maintenance crews to clear ash and debris before reopening. Dr. De La Torre said crews worked in unhealthy air conditions at times to prepare campuses.

The superintendent said the district arranged crisis counselors and other supports. “We had 9 substitute teachers available…Dr. Rose also secured crisis counselors through Health Advocate to be on staff,” he said. The Schools Foundation opened a resource site at the San Marino Community Center to distribute clothing, toiletries and supplies for affected families.

Student and staff impacts

Dr. De La Torre reported five San Marino High School families, two Huntington Middle School families and one Valentine family lost homes. Two certificated employees lost homes and others were displaced. The superintendent praised principals, custodial staff and maintenance: board members visited campuses and provided breakfast to maintenance crews when staff returned early the following Monday.

Enrollment and next steps

Superintendent De La Torre said the district will consider new enrollments from families displaced by the fire if space allows and that registration staff are reviewing capacity by grade level. “We have received approximately 9 [requests] so far,” he said. He added the district is coordinating with neighboring districts; Pasadena Unified is providing distance learning and housing some students internally.

The board did not take action on the report. District leaders said they will continue to update the board and the community and to prioritize support for affected families and staff.