Guest Editorial | Taking Action to Safeguard the Future of Pasadena Unified

GUEST EDITORIAL

First day of school at PUSD after the devastating fire (File Photo – PUSD)

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is facing a pivotal moment, just weeks after our community endured the devastating Eaton Fire.

By Dr. Elizabeth J. Blanco and Saman Bravo-Karimi

With declining enrollment, rising costs, and the expiration of one-time COVID relief funds, we are under immense financial strain. Without swift and decisive action, the deficit will continue to grow, undermining our efforts to maintain the district’s long-term financial stability. If we do nothing and the district’s finances continue to deteriorate, eventually, the state will be required to step in and take action. Proactive measures are essential now to ensure a solid path for our district’s future so we can continue to deliver a high-quality education for all students.

Declining enrollment is a primary factor in our financial strain. Fewer students mean less state funding, and while COVID relief funds provided temporary support, they are no longer available. Since 2014-15, PUSD has experienced an annual enrollment decline of about -2.2%. This trend worsens the financial situation. Though other districts across California face similar challenges, we must take proactive measures to address the issue.

We understand that budget decisions impact our employees, and to minimize disruption, we are focusing cuts primarily on the central office, preserving more resources for classrooms. Staffing adjustments are necessary to avoid a projected $37 million shortfall. Layoffs are governed by collective bargaining agreements and state law, with seniority as a key factor. While these guidelines ensure fairness, they are difficult to implement. We will make efforts to reduce or rescind layoff notices, as we did last year, but given the current financial situation, we may not be able to do so as extensively.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, Measure EE provides $5 million annually, and Measure J contributes $10 million, helping to ease some of the financial strain and support our efforts to stabilize the district’s finances. Funds from Measures R and O are restricted to infrastructure and facilities.

Despite these challenges, our commitment to students remains strong. We will continue offering programs such as dual language, arts, and career technical education, maintain smaller class sizes, and ensure experienced teachers remain in the classroom.

We need the support and engagement of our families, employees and community now more than ever. Attend Board of Education meetings, visit our website, and reach out with your questions and concerns. Together, we can navigate these tough decisions and ensure that every student in PUSD continues to receive a high-quality education.

Dr. Elizabeth J. Blanco is the Superintendent for the Pasadena Unified School District, and Saman Bravo-Karimi is the Chief Business Officer for the Pasadena Unified School District