08-25-25 SBAC
August 25, 2025
Pasadena Unified Continues the Robust Work of the
Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee
For Immediate Release
August 25, 2025
Pasadena, CA – The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is continuing the important work of the Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee (SBAC), a group of parents, students, educators, and community members dedicated to shaping the district’s financial priorities for the 2026-2027 school year.
Facing projected annual deficits of over $30 million, PUSD is taking bold steps to implement performance-based budgeting, prioritizing strategies that are both cost-effective and impactful for student learning. Launched in the 2024-25 school year, the SBAC has already played a pivotal role in helping the district achieve budget reductions or operational efficiencies. The committee continues its important work this year by reviewing budget and program plans and providing informed recommendations to the Superintendent and the Board of Education, with the goal of identifying further sustainable reductions and investments that support student success.
The work of the SBAC is grounded in the Board’s 5-Year Strategic Plan and five core strategic directions:
Learner-Focused Instruction
Outstanding and Respected Employees
Quality Learning Environment
Effective, Responsible, and Accountable Organization
Collaboration with Families to Increase Trust
“We are committed to making every dollar count for students,” said PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco. “The Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee brings community voices to the table, ensuring our financial decisions reflect shared priorities and deliver results in the classroom. We welcome all who are ready to contribute their insight and leadership to this important work.”
The SBAC fosters transparency, collaboration, and community input by including a diverse mix of participants, such as:
Teachers and school staff
Principals and administrators
Parent representatives from district advisory committees
High school students from the PUSD Think Tank
Local residents and civic partners
The committee will meet six times between September and November 2025. Meetings will also include presentations from division and department leaders to support informed dialogue and decision-making.
For more information, please visit www.pusd.us/sbac.
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