On Wednesday, January 22, teachers, support staff, and administrators gathered at Pasadena City College (Photo -PUSD)
Fifteen days after the destructive Eaton Fire, Pasadena’s school district is moving forward with the phased reopening of its schools. On Wednesday, January 22, teachers, support staff, and administrators gathered at Pasadena City College for a day of preparation and solidarity, marking a hopeful step toward normalcy.
By Brian Rodriguez
The reopening process begins on Thursday, January 24, with the first group of students returning to school. This marks the beginning of a staged return, which will see all students back in the classroom by January 30. The district will welcome more than 3,400 students across 10 schools and programs during this first phase.
The day was filled with emotion as school teams rallied together in a spirit of resilience and support. A highlight of the day was hearing from students who shared their personal experiences and losses due to the fire. Their moving musical performance was a testament to their strength and bravery in the face of adversity.
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Dr. Marleen Wong, Co-Founder and CEO of the Center for Safe and Resilient Schools and Workplaces, were present to offer their support and guidance. School teams also participated in smaller group sessions led by the Western Justice Center, focused on resilience and recovery.
Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco delivering her remarks, Jan. 22, 2025 (Photo – PUSD)
In a message of gratitude, Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, Superintendent of the Pasadena Unified School District, praised the collective effort of staff, partners, and the broader community. Despite experiencing loss themselves, teachers and staff have remained dedicated, assisting with food distribution and offering support wherever needed. The leadership of the Board, as well as partners such as Dr. Jose Gomez and Pasadena City College, has been invaluable.
Dr. Blanco also expressed her appreciation for the support of local labor partners, including United Teachers of Pasadena, PACTE, CSEA, Teamsters, and APSA, acknowledging their essential role in the recovery process.
In addition to the emotional and logistical preparations for reopening, the district reached a significant milestone in its recovery efforts. Over 100 tons of debris have been collected and removed from school sites as part of a massive cleaning effort spearheaded by the district’s Maintenance and Operations team.
With the reopening now underway, Dr. Blanco expressed her excitement and optimism: “I look forward to seeing our students at school tomorrow.”
The district’s swift and unified response to the crisis has proven that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, determination and collaboration can pave the way for recovery.
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