2026-06-19 Board Votes Soil & Trees
June 19, 2026
PUSD Board of Education Votes to Continue Soil
Remediation and Allow for Tree Retention Alternatives
June 19, 2026
Pasadena, CA – The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education voted last night to preserve up to 57 protected trees and to continue the planned removal of other trees within the District’s 11 fire-related contaminated soil remediation projects. The decision follows community input and information from District staff and environmental experts regarding alternative approaches that could preserve more trees, while continuing to meet required health and safety standards.
PUSD remains dedicated to restoring safe, healthy campuses for students, staff, and the community in the wake of the Eaton Fire by removing fire-related contaminant impacted soil from its properties. This work is based on findings reviewed by state environmental regulators, who determined that removal of contaminated soil is necessary to protect public health.
At the same time, we recognize how deeply our community cares about the trees and natural spaces that make our campuses special. The District shares this commitment to thoughtful environmental stewardship.
Over the coming days, PUSD’s environmental and safety teams and arborists will continue refining site-specific approaches, site by site, tree by tree, to remove the fire-related contaminant impacted soil with the goal of maintaining as many protected trees within the removal areas as possible. As assessments are completed and information is received, the District will have a clearer understanding of potential impacts to individual campuses, project costs, and timelines, including impacts to efforts to prepare school spaces for continuing summer programs and the start of the upcoming school year.
In the meantime, work sites will remain closed while evaluations continue. The soil within these closed work areas is known to contain fire-related contaminants at harmful levels to the health and safety of our school communities. These areas are closed to protect public health and safety, and unauthorized entry creates safety risks in areas where contaminated soil has been identified. Maintaining safe and secure work zones allows the District’s environmental and safety teams to complete their assessments efficiently and helps keep the restoration process moving forward.
Contractors working in the 11 fire-related contaminated soil projects have committed to full compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. This includes established protocols for wildlife protection, and contractors are trained to identify active bird nests and are prohibited from removing any tree found to contain one. A qualified wildlife biologist has been engaged to review trees within the fire-affected contaminated soil areas. This review reflects our commitment to conducting this work responsibly and transparently.
PUSD is grateful for the passion and engagement of our community and for the thoughtful dialogue surrounding both campus safety and environmental stewardship. As this work continues, the District remains committed to listening, evaluating options, and providing timely updates.
For the latest information, please visit pusd.us/restoringourschools.
###