At a Glance
- Palisades Charter High School is back on its main campus after a fire-induced overhaul.
- New temporary bungalows and future buildings will replace the 36 classrooms lost in the blaze.
- All 2,000 lockers were decontaminated and repainted before reopening.
- Why it matters: Students, staff, and the community celebrate a safer, rebuilt school ready for the next chapter.
The school’s main campus reopened on Tuesday, marking the end of a year-long transition to the old Sears building while extensive reconstruction took place.
Fire and Reconstruction
The Palisades Fire caused significant damage to the campus, forcing the school to relocate in April. The old Sears building served as a temporary home for students and faculty. Reconstruction focused on restoring the open campus and green space that were lost.
- The fire destroyed the J Building and 36 classrooms.
- Temporary bungalows were erected to replace the lost classrooms.
- New buildings are planned over the next 2.5 years to fully replace the destroyed structures.
Reopening Details
All 2,000 lockers were decontaminated, sanitized, and repainted before students returned. The school’s operations team added sensors inside and outside the campus to monitor air quality, with follow-up testing scheduled.
- Tuesday: Official reopening day.
- Next month: The stadium and aquatics center are expected to open.
New Facilities and Safety Measures
The campus now includes temporary bungalows that will serve as classrooms until permanent replacements are built. Safety upgrades include advanced air quality monitoring and comprehensive sanitation procedures.
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Temporary bungalows | In use |
| Air quality sensors | Deployed |
| Lockers | Decontaminated and repainted |
Student and Staff Sentiments
Students and faculty have expressed excitement and relief.
- “It really feels like a full circle moment,” said junior and student ambassador Tiffany Jensen. “I’m filled with so much excitement coming back.”
- “We have missed our green space. We have missed our open campus,” said Executive Director and Principal Dr. Pam Magee.
- “Having arrived where we are now represents a lot of work (and) a lot of planning,” said Director of Operations Rafael Negroe.
- “I think we should all be grateful for what we have and take it in every day,” Jensen added.
Future Plans
School officials confirmed that construction of new buildings will continue for the next 2.5 years to replace the destroyed J Building. The stadium and aquatics center are projected to open by the end of next month.
Key Takeaways
- The reopening marks a significant recovery after the Palisades Fire.
- Temporary structures and safety upgrades have been implemented to ensure a smooth transition.
- The community looks forward to the completion of new facilities in the coming years.
