Message to Employees re: Budget

October 1, 2025

Dear PUSD Team,

As we look ahead to next year, I would like to share with you an update on our district’s finances. Pasadena Unified must reduce $30 million from the 2026-27 budget as part of our fiscal stabilization plan. This is a significant challenge that will impact the way our district operates.

Through this process, our priority is students. We are committed to ensuring that our classrooms remain focused on learning.

To guide this work, the Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee (SBAC) has begun meeting publicly to develop recommendations for reductions that will be presented to the Board of Education. At their October 1 and 8 meetings, the SBAC will hear presentations from school-based services on preliminary information on reductions that will help guide the Board’s decisions in November.

I want to be clear: every employee has contributed to building PUSD. Because of our Board’s commitment to transparency, employee positions, (although not individuals by name), will be discussed publicly during this process.

I recognize how difficult this will be. Please know that if your position is discussed, it is not a statement of your value or the importance of your job. These discussions will be taken under consideration and will contribute to final decision-making by the Board of Education.

We are exploring ways to support employees who may be impacted, including working with other school districts and government agencies to ensure access to job listings and opportunities.

I thank you for the dedication and care you continue to bring to your work.

Timeline:

• Late September-October 2025: SBAC meets publicly to review options and develop recommendations. Information is posted at pusd.us/sbac

• November 2025:

• November 13 - Board of Education reviews recommendations for reductions.

• November 20 - Board of Education takes final action

• December 2025:

• Implementation of reductions begins: The First Interim Report is delivered to the L.A. County Office of Education, and the district begins the process of identifying positions for reductions in accordance with collective bargaining agreements with labor partners.

• March 2025

• Reduction in force notices issued

• July 2026: New budget with $30 million in reductions takes effect.

How we lead together through this moment matters to the children in our classrooms and to our community. This will be difficult and will challenge us all. However, I know that we will meet this challenge with integrity, professionalism, and care.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D.

Superintendent