Assemblyman James Gallagher and Senator Megan Dahle have announced new legislative initiatives aimed at aiding the Paradise Unified School District, which is still recovering from the 2018 Camp Fire. The fire devastated the community, destroying the majority of homes.
The primary focus of the legislators is on securing $21.5 million to rebuild Paradise Elementary School, either through the state budget or a specific bill, AB 842. Gallagher highlighted the importance of the project, saying, “Remarkable progress has been made in Paradise and everyone involved should be commended. But the job is not done. Rebuilding this elementary school is a key part of the community’s recovery and we are committed to making it happen.”
The reconstruction of the school is set to commence this spring, with the first phase slated for completion by August 2026. The additional funds are necessary to finish the project and accommodate the rising student population. Dahle stated, “The rebuilding of Paradise Elementary is a critical step in the continued recovery of Paradise and its surrounding communities.”
Paradise Unified School District’s Superintendent, Tom Taylor, underscored the need for this funding, commenting, “State funding is a critical component to recovery for families in Paradise.” The school district also faces potential penalties due to staffing issues and has sought assistance from both Gallagher and Dahle.
In response, the legislators proposed Assembly Bill 1438 to extend PUSD’s staffing ratio waiver by seven years, a move necessary to counter potential state penalties exceeding $150,000 annually. Taylor described the situation, noting, “High levels of trauma and enrollment growth are requiring us to add administrators as we are adding students and classes.”
