PUSD Board Special Meeting, July 16, 2026 (Photo – Screengrab, KLRN)
The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education has authorized the district to pursue legal action, if necessary, to prevent further interference with its ongoing Eaton Fire soil remediation project as it works to restore campuses before the start of the 2026–27 school year.
By News Desk
The board approved a resolution reaffirming the district’s authority under state law to carry out work needed to remove fire-related contaminants from impacted school properties. It also received a public presentation on the remediation efforts.
According to the district, the decision follows months of environmental testing, coordination with public agencies and oversight by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Soil testing identified fire-related contaminants, including lead, arsenic and other substances, at multiple campuses, requiring remediation before students can safely return to unrestricted use of outdoor learning spaces.
The board’s authorization allows the district to seek legal action, if necessary, to protect district property and ensure the state-supervised remediation project can continue without further delays.
“We understand these have been difficult decisions for our community,” Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement. “No one wants to remove a single tree unnecessarily. But once environmental testing confirmed contaminated soil on our campuses, we had a responsibility to act. Our focus remains where it has always been: protecting the health and safety of our students and restoring safe, healthy campuses for learning.”
The district said it has worked throughout the remediation process with public health agencies, environmental experts, the Department of Toxic Substances Control and the City of Pasadena, and intends to continue that collaboration while fulfilling its legal obligation to restore its campuses.
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