State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Visits School Communities Impacted by Coastal Fire in Orange County, Offers Support

ALISO VIEJO— State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today visited local school administrators from Capistrano Unified School District, which was affected by the devastating Coastal Fire in Orange County. He joined local educators to hear about efforts made by schools moving quickly and efficiently to ensure students did not fall behind while evacuations were in place. He also offered support with food vouchers, gift cards, and other monetary resources to help the families and students that have been affected by the Coastal Fire.

“We are truly saddened by the recent events following the Coastal Fire here in Orange County. We will work tirelessly around the clock to ensure students and their families will be taken care of as evacuations continue throughout the area,” Thurmond said. “Fire season continues to get worse here in California and we’re already in the midst of a historic drought. Tragically, these horrific wildfires are a new normal as a result of climate change.”

The State Superintendent joined local educators, including Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte and Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Mijares, to inform the public about important evacuation measures the area is taking to keep students safe and out of the fire zone.

No instructional time was lost during the evacuation orders issued from the Coastal Fire. This was a direct result of the educators in the area and their commitment to ensuring students do not fall behind. Capistrano Unified personnel was able to act quickly and efficiently to move students and staff without any disruption.

Students who have been evacuated from surrounding schools are relocating to Wood Canyon Elementary School at 23431 Knollwood, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656.

State Superintendent Thurmond and CDE will continue to support families, students and school employees in the area who have been evacuated from their homes. More information and resources related to response and recovery efforts associated with natural disasters and emergency incidents can be found on the CDE Disaster and Emergency Resources web page and Wildfires FAQ web page.

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Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100