2025-06-27 PUSD Budget 2025-26

PASADENA, CA – June 27, 2025 – The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education unanimously approved the 2025-26 budget after a months - long process of deliberation, planning, and preparation. The budget is informed by meaningful engagement with the PUSD community through the Local Control and Accountability Plan development process and is guided by the district’s commitment to student achievement, equity in resource allocation, and urgent action in the face of a serious fiscal outlook.

As PUSD navigates an increasingly complex and challenging financial environment that impacts all California schools – including declining enrollment, the expiration of one-time pandemic relief funds, and increased operational costs – the adopted budget reflects the start of a multi-year effort to restore fiscal balance and safeguard the future of quality public education in Pasadena.

“This budget marks a critical step forward in addressing the significant fiscal challenges ahead,” said PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco. “We are deeply grateful to our Board of Education for their thoughtful leadership and to our community for engaging with us throughout this process. The road ahead will require transparency, tough decisions, and shared responsibility, but we are committed to doing this work together in service of our students.”

As noted during the budget planning process, while the district has received one-time fire-related revenues to support recovery and rebuilding efforts, these funds do not address the structural operating deficits forecast over the next three years. Without additional action, PUSD is projected to face a negative ending balance of $63 million by the end of the 2027-28 school year.

“This is a moment that calls for honesty, collaboration, and resolve,” said PUSD Board President Jennifer Hall Lee. “Our focus remains on protecting students’ learning experiences while making the changes necessary to sustain our schools into the future. I want to thank my fellow Board members, our Superintendent, and every member of the PUSD community who continues to show their dedication during challenging times. Together, we will find a path forward.”

Superintendent Blanco continued, “While it has been a difficult journey as we face ongoing challenges, I am encouraged and inspired by our PUSD staff who are deeply committed to providing the highest quality education to our students.”

PUSD will continue to engage employees, families, and community partners as it begins the next phase of long-term planning. The District remains committed to transparent communication and inclusive decision-making as it works to ensure that every student thrives in a sustainable, high-quality public school system. Information on PUSD’s budget is at: www.pusd.us/departments/budget/budget-2025-26.

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