Pasadena Unified Announces Creation of 25 New TOSA Positions to Support Students and Save Jobs

PUSD Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco (Photo – PUSD)

In a move to ensure the long-term success and stability of the district’s schools, PUSD Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco announced a series of positive developments aimed at supporting students while preserving jobs.

By John Boucher

The district is implementing a redesign of the Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) position with a renewed focus on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, a key strategy in addressing both academic and social-emotional needs of students.

As part of these efforts, the district has created 25 new TOSA positions, a significant achievement made possible through major strategic adjustments, federal funding, and state fire recovery funds. The announcement comes as part of ongoing conversations with the Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee, which convened last fall to explore innovative ways to improve student support in challenging financial times.

“This is a significant achievement and underscores our commitment to protecting as many classroom roles as possible during these challenging financial times,” Dr. Blanco said. “Before the layoff notices were approved on February 27, we took into consideration retirements and departures already known to us. Since then, additional staff have submitted retirement or departure plans, which will help us rescind more layoffs.”

The new TOSA positions, which will be presented to the Board of Education on Thursday, March 27, are open to all qualified employees, including those affected by recent layoff notices. The district encourages those employees to apply as part of its ongoing commitment to both students and staff.

Superintendent Blanco thanked the community for its continued partnership and support, emphasizing that these developments are part of a broader effort to navigate financial challenges while prioritizing the district’s educational mission.

For more information, district staff and community members can read Dr. Blanco’s Guest Editorial, outlining the district’s vision for the future.