PUSD Special Board Meeting, Feb. 1, 2024 ((Photo – Tarah Kennedy)
On Thursday, Feb 1, Special PUSD Board Meeting was jam-packed. Agenda items included an asset planning presentation, termination of the Measure O contract with SafeworkCM, Longfellow parents advocating a change to their swing space, and Don Benito’s HVAC and Kitchen Remodel.
By Tarah Kennedy
But the loudest voices came from five members of the Board in regards to the school consolidation being considered in 2025-2026. Staff presented the Long Term Facilities Plan, which focused on asset management and program efficiency.
The Board voices advocating against the consolidation said it caused angst for families and hindered PUSD enrollment. Board Member Jennifer Hall Lee stated that the Board Trustees should be advocates for public education, and the talk of closing schools hurts the district. With a vote of 5-2 (dissents by Trustees Cahalan and Kenne), the plan was amended to remove discussion of closing schools in 2025.
Longfellow’s voices were also heard. Parents stated they were not informed of having to move locations for their modernization until earlier this week, two days before last night’s Board Meeting. They spoke up against moving to Allendale Elementary while Jefferson Elementary (currently leased to the city of Pasadena) was closer to them, and a viable option for families with no transportation options. Jefferson had not been a primary option as staff would have to break the lease (and lose revenue), but the Board voted 4-3 in favor of changing Longfellow’s swing space to Jefferson. Both Jefferson and Franklin Elementary schools will be the swing space for any school that is planned for Measure O modernization. Madison and Longfellow’s Modernization is planned to start in 2025.
PHS pool and restroom modernization and Don Benito HVAC and Multi-purpose room remodel were both approved to move forward. Both schools have Division of State Architect (DSA) plans previously approved from Measure TT.
The quietest shake up came from the board vote to ratify the termination of the contract with SafeworkCM, which has had a contract with PUSD since 2021 to manage Measure O projects and funds, but were terminated by staff in January 2024. Facilities Director Manuel Carrasco presented his plan to have an internal team manage it, to save between $600K-$900K per year for the district.
Despite some members of the Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee (COC), who spoke up against this decision, the Board approved the termination of the contract by a 4-2 vote with one member absent.
Tarah Kennedy, a Pasadena resident, is a proud PUSD parent of two children.
[This article was updated to clarify the opening paragraph, Feb. 4, 5:00 pm]
Thank you for posting this. She and my mother, Gwen Felton, were dear friends.