Pasadena Unified’s Chief Finance and Operations Officer Resigns

Leslie Barnes (Photo – PUSD)

Dr. Leslie Barnes, Chief Finance and Operations at PUSD submitted her resignation on Friday, April 21, 2023.

By News Desk

Leslie’s area of responsibility at the district included Purchasing, Food Services, Risk Management, Workplace Safety, Legal Services, Charter MOU, Fiscal and Legal, Budget/Resource Allocation, Financing, Budget Advisory Committee, Benefits Enrollment, Emergency Preparedness; Facilities, Maintenance & Operations, and Food Services.

PUSD was unique in this regard as Leslie handled both financial and operations within the school district. It’s not clear if her departure will require two positions to be filled. Another question is who will handle Measure O now that Leslie is out of the picture.

It should be noted, in the same department, Leornard Hernandez’s last day as Director of Maintenance, Operations, Transportation and Facilities was April 7 of this year.

Letter of Resignation

Dear Dr. McDonald

I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as Chief Finance and Operations Officer for the Pasadena Unified School District effective May 12, 2023.

During my tenure with PUSD there are numerous accomplishments for which I am very proud. These would not have been possible without your leadership, the assistance of my amazing colleagues and the support of my incredible staff. I have listed a few of these accomplishments below:

• Positive Certification of all financial reports
• Creation of largest fund balance in District history
• Restructuring of the certificated salary schedule to align with other districts
• Provided yearly salary increases, as well as the largest single year salary increase in District history
• The passage of Measure O, the largest general obligation bond ever approved in PUSD, which included a funding stream for technology upgrades throughout the District

I appreciate the opportunities you have given me to learn and grow, and I value all of the professional relationships I have been able to develop here.  I wish you and the PUSD community all the best.

Please let me know if there is any way I can assist with the transition. Sincerely,

Leslie Barnes

[This article has been updated to add the letter of resignation. April 21, 2023 at 6:20 pm]