The Los Angeles fires has left thousands of families grappling with unimaginable loss. According to Governor Gavin Newsom, this is not only the most catastrophic natural disaster in Los Angeles but also one of the most devastating in the nation’s history. The estimated financial toll is a staggering $250 billion.

For many, the fires turned their homes into smoldering ruins in moments, leaving behind only memories. Now, they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from nothing. Among those hardest hit are the leaders, teachers, staff, and families of charter public schools, some of whom have lost everything. Entire schools, including one campus of Odyssey Charter School, have been wiped out.

Carlos Garcia Saldana, Executive Director of Odyssey Charter Schools in Altadena, shared his community's heartbreaking reality. “The fire annihilated one of our campuses,” he said. After surveying over 600 families, 83 have reported the total loss of their homes and belongings, while 85 more have been evacuated. Two teachers and a principal have lost everything.

Yet, amid this devastation, Carlos is profoundly moved by the unyielding spirit of his community. “They’ve told me, ‘We lost everything, but how can we help others?’”

While the fire consumed their physical school, Carlos emphasized that Odyssey’s true essence remains untouched. “Odyssey is not about buildings; Odyssey is about community,” he said, his voice quivering with emotion. “We are a community first, and then we are teachers, administrators, and students. This is who we are—a tight, connected, and supportive family.”

This ethos of selflessness and resilience shines through even in the darkest moments. One principal who lost everything has set aside her own needs to focus on supporting her students. The entire staff echoes this sentiment, prioritizing the well-being of their community above all else.

Odyssey Charter Schools, serving over 850 students from transitional kindergarten (TK) through 8th grade across two campuses in Altadena, is now faced with the monumental task of starting over. One campus remains intact and will temporarily house students as recovery plans take shape. Carlos and his team are determined to rebuild despite the overwhelming disbelief and sadness.

“We find glimmers of hope and optimism in reminding ourselves and being reminded by those around us that, despite the tragedy, there is hope. We have our lives, and we will recover,” Carlos said. “It may take time, but our community is strong, and we will support each other through this.”

Carlos and his team have launched a GoFundMe page to aid their recovery, calling on the broader community for donations. Every contribution—no matter the size—can help. Additionally, the CCSA has also established a Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund to provide immediate aid and long-term support to schools and families affected by this unprecedented disaster.

As leader of the CCSA, I have deployed advocacy teams to the hardest-hit areas in collaboration with local organizations. These teams work alongside charter school leaders to assess urgent needs, provide critical resources, and determine how and where learning can resume. CCSA also liaises with the California Department of Education to secure state and federal funding resources for recovery efforts. Donations to CCSA’s fund can play a vital role in helping schools and families rebuild stronger together.

As Carlos and his community exemplify, the human spirit is resilient and unstoppable. “This catastrophe may have taken our homes, but it will never take our determination,” he said. In the face of immense challenges, the charter school community continues to stand united, demonstrating extraordinary strength and hope.

If you’re inspired to help, please consider donating to Odyssey Charter Schools’ GoFundMe or CCSA’s Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund.

Together, we can support these families and schools as they rebuild and create a brighter future.

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Myrna Castrejón has been the President and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association since January 2019. Prior to assuming the role of President and CEO, she served for nearly three years as the Founding Executive Director of Great Public Schools Now. Before that assignment, Myrna worked at CCSA in various key leadership roles since its founding in 2003.