11-20-25 Message to the Community

November 20, 2025

Dear PUSD Community

Tonight, the Board of Education will consider a budget reduction package required to keep our district financially stable in the years ahead. We know these decisions are difficult and affect many, especially those who have added to our instructional core and to our students in the classroom. It is important to note that student learning opportunities will remain largely unchanged. Some specialized programs will be reimagined, and others may have fewer options, but ultimately, our students will receive an education that is far beyond what most districts of our size or smaller offer.

Why is this true?

Our students come first. Teaching and learning in safe and supportive environments remain essential. We are grateful to our community, which has provided support for PUSD as demonstrated by the passage of Measures J and EE. These bond measures add an additional $15 million annually to our general fund, allowing us to provide high-quality educational experiences for all students at a slightly smaller scale. We will continue our bold asset management reform efforts and use every property not used by students and employees to generate additional revenue. Although this process was interrupted by the Eaton Fire, it is now back on track. Our billion-dollar bond program also continues to expand.

These reductions reflect the decline in enrollment across the entire San Gabriel Valley. We made a conscious choice not to adjust our budget sooner because our students faced two unforeseen crises: the pandemic and the Eaton Fire. In keeping with the Board’s priority, we increased employee compensation over three years to better align with comparable school districts.

The tough budget decisions that will be made tonight by no means lessen the student experience. PUSD will continue to put our students first and offer robust opportunities and resources that are so important for students in our schools today and for those in the future.

Through the months-long process of identifying reductions and revenue to meet the requirements of the Fiscal Stabilization Plan due to the L.A. County Office of Education in early December, we committed to budget transparency and to honoring the dedication of our employees. Every recommendation has been made with painstaking care, guided by the Graduate Profile, equity, and the new Board of Education goals for academic excellence. We understand that behind every line item are the staff members we value and who have provided additional support to our students and families.

As we move into this Board vote, I want to be clear about what additional programs, services and extracurricular opportunities will remain for the students and community of Pasadena Unified, pending the Board’s final action tonight.

Our programs continue. Arts and music, dual-language immersion, International Baccalaureate from elementary through 12th grade, all nine college- and career-academies located at our high schools, magnets, and the international academy will all move forward, although some staff positions will be reduced, and reimagined models will be in place where needed.
Athletics and extracurriculars will remain so that student-athletes can keep competing and building teamwork and school pride. After collaborating with high school principals and athletic directors, we have reached a districtwide commitment that ensures that every sport is offered at one or more high schools. However, the majority of all sports will remain at the current levels. Strategic planning, such as limiting the number of away games and the amount of stipends allocated, is helping offset the reduction in athletics.
Students will continue to get the support they need. Counselors, librarians, and career and financial aid advisors will continue to serve students. Our MTSS coaches will continue to support students' social-emotional and academic needs.
Expanded learning and community schools continue. LEARN's programs will still provide before- and after-school care, enrichment, and sports, and our Community Schools initiative will continue to connect students and families with mental health supports, basic needs, and enrichment opportunities.
Schools will remain welcoming, safe, cared for, and connected. Even with reductions, security, substantial custodial, and gardening staff, clerical and administrative staff, technology, and family engagement personnel will remain across the district.
Services for students with specialized needs will continue. Services and programs for students with disabilities, English learners, foster youth, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students will continue at both the site and the central level.

The PUSD family and community have faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger because of this community's resilience and collaboration. By confronting these budget realities now, openly and thoughtfully, we are working to protect what matters most: the opportunities that our students need to learn, grow, and succeed. This is the Power of Us.

Please stay engaged by following tonight’s Board meeting at pusd.us/board and visiting pusd.us/budget for up-to-date information.

Thank you for your partnership, and for all that you do to support the students of Pasadena Unified.

With gratitude,

Elizabeth Blanco

Superintendent