Pasadena Unified School District building (Photo – Staff)
After months of collaborative discussions, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and United Teachers of Pasadena (UTP) have reached a tentative agreement, marking the conclusion of the 2024-25 negotiation season. The announcement follows the eleventh bargaining session, held on May 23, 2025, and is subject to final ratification by union members and approval by the PUSD Board of Trustees.
By News Desk
The agreement encompasses a wide array of updates and revisions across numerous contract articles, aiming to strengthen working conditions, professional development, and overall support for educators in the district. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved, despite facing a challenging fiscal environment.
Key Agreement Highlights
Expanded Rights and Clarity for Educators
Under Article III – Association Rights, clarifications were made regarding UTP’s communication channels, including the use of bulletin boards, physical and digital mailboxes, and the ability to lead faculty meeting announcements.
Support for Special Education and Classroom Staff
In Article VI – Hours, preschool special education teachers gained release time for professional development, and Rose City High School’s testing schedule was modified. A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Special Education also establishes guaranteed aide support, caseload limits, and a Joint Committee to ensure ongoing dialogue.
Improved Leave Options
Article IX – Leaves expands the number of personal necessity days from seven to ten, and introduces more flexibility in the way leave can be taken. Notably, it ensures a smoother transition for the outgoing UTP President back into the classroom.
Salary and Benefits Enhancements
Significant salary increases were approved under Article XVI – Child Development Programs, including a 6.91% raise for ten-month and 14.9% for twelve-month child development teachers. These increases, made possible through dedicated federal funds (Fund 12), aim to bring PUSD in line with neighboring districts.
Despite rising health insurance premiums, Article XV – Health and Welfare Benefits ensures no additional costs will be passed on to members. A new 90%/10% PPO plan has also been introduced.
Other Notable Changes
- Article XIV continues the $1,000 Early Separation Bonus for early retirees.
- Article XXV eliminates term limits for Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs) and provides more flexibility in their reassignment.
- Article XXVII establishes a new three-year contract through 2026-27, with annual reopeners for salary and benefits.
- Updates to evaluation instruments now reflect current California teaching standards, with new tools developed for specialized roles such as psychologists, librarians, and counselors.
Fiscal Challenges Ahead
While the agreements reflect progress, the district remains mindful of its financial outlook. On May 22, PUSD Chief Business Officer Saman Bravo-Karimi presented a budget update to the Board, noting that a reduced cost of living adjustment (COLA) in the Governor’s May Revise will further strain revenues. In response, PUSD will submit a Fiscal Stabilization Plan alongside its 2025-26 Adopted Budget to comply with Los Angeles County Office of Education requirements.
Next Steps
Final ratification by UTP members and approval by the Board of Trustees are expected in the coming weeks. Remaining tasks include finalizing improvement plan forms and rubrics used for teacher evaluations.
Despite fiscal headwinds, both PUSD and UTP hailed the agreement as a significant step forward in supporting teachers and improving educational outcomes across the district.
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