06-13-25 PUSD Report to Community
June 13, 2025
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2025
Pasadena Unified School District Unveils Report to the Community
Highlighting Strength, Recovery, and Renewed Commitment to Students
Pasadena, CA – The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is proud to announce the release of its 2025 Report to the Community – a powerful testament to the strength and unwavering spirit of our students, families, and employees in the wake of the Eaton Fire’s unprecedented devastation.
At the start of 2025, the PUSD community faced unimaginable hardship. The Eaton Fire displaced numerous students, employees, and families, many of whom lost their homes. Five PUSD school sites were destroyed or sustained significant damage, directly impacting learning environments and daily operations. Yet even in the face of destruction, PUSD’s community rose with courage and compassion.
“This year has tested us in ways we could never have anticipated,” PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco said. “Our response has shown exactly who we are. A community that stands together, supports one another, and never stops working for the future of our children.”
Thanks to the tireless efforts of PUSD employees, an outpouring of local and regional support, and generous donations from individuals and organizations, recovery is well underway. These contributions are helping families rebuild their lives and allowing the district to restore and reimagine damaged school facilities.
The 2025 Community Report reflects this journey of recovery and recommitment. It offers a comprehensive look at:
Student achievement and academic progress
Districtwide fiscal responsibility and stability
Innovative educational programs and services
Ongoing facilities improvements made possible through Measures O and R
“Even as we continue to heal, our eyes are on the future,” PUSD Board President Jennifer Hall Lee said. “This report underscores our promise to provide inspiring, modern learning environments and to nurture every student’s potential.”
PUSD invites employees, students, families, partners, and community members to view the full Report to the Community (in English and Spanish) on its website at: pusd.us/rtc.
At PUSD’s June 12 Board of Education meeting, district leaders also highlighted a number of end-of-year, significant achievements from across the district. Here are just a few:
Four PUSD schools – Altadena Arts Magnet School, Field Elementary School, Sierra Madre Elementary School, and Sierra Madre Middle School – were named California Distinguished Schools.
Marshall High School's Girls' Tennis Team and Pasadena High School's football team earned CIF Division 5 and Division 13 championships, respectively.
Over 100 students participated in a professional-level All-Star Musical, and the All-Star Band marched in the Hollywood Christmas Parade and submitted a Rose Parade audition video.
International Baccalaureate programs saw major growth, with a 36 percent increase in 12th-grade diploma candidates and a 64 percent increase in 11th-grade anticipated candidates.
Early Childhood Education made major strides, including growth in Desired Results Developmental Profile across key learning domains, a 21 percent increase in PreK enrollment from 365 to 446 students, and TK classroom expansion from 15 to 20 schools (with full districtwide TK access coming in 2025-26).
In student achievement,
English Learner growth included an 11.2-point improvement in CAASPP math scores, a 13 percent increase in high school graduation rates, and a 22.19 percent drop in chronic absenteeism.
Schools with the highest growth in English Language Arts (ELA). (This is double-digit growth): Don Benito Fundamental, Norma Coombs Elementary School, Washington Elementary STEM Magnet School, Eliot Arts Magnet, Octavia E. Butler Magnet – A Dual Language STEAM Middle School, Thurgood Marshall Secondary School, Rose City High School
Schools with the highest growth in Math: Altadena Arts Magnet, Alexander Hamilton Elementary School, Mary W. Jackson STEAM Multilingual Magnet Elementary, Norma Coombs Elementary School, Washington Elementary STEM Magnet School
100 percent of secondary schools show growth in Math
Schools that grew in both ELA and Math: Norma Coombs Elementary School, Washington Elementary STEM Magnet School, Octavia E. Butler Magnet
Human Resources supported 94 new teachers through induction (with a 98 percent completion rate), provided emergency housing for over 150 employees affected by the Eaton Fire, and offered immigration support and streamlined internal processes.
Risk Management improved tracking and communication regarding leaves, liability, and workers' compensation claims, closing over 150 cases and establishing greater financial oversight.
A unified Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework led to reductions in suspensions and referrals, as well as increased use of restorative practices in schools.
Student wellness programs included the distribution of over 3,300 fresh produce boxes through CalFresh, 255 outdoor science lessons in school gardens, and swim safety for over 1,100 third graders.
PUSD’s Twilight Adult School experienced a 20 percent enrollment increase and will celebrate 99 graduates today. The school added healthcare and security training programs and expanded partnerships with community organizations.
Family engagement rose significantly, with TK enrollment up to 453 students, increased Parent Portal usage (up from 77.1 percent to 81.34 percent), and over 1,000 attendees at family workshops.
The Class of 2025 included 1,050 graduates and numerous honors:
113 National Honor Society members
134 State Seal of Biliteracy recipients
108 California Scholastic Federation honorees
64 AP Capstone Diplomas
28 IB Diplomas and 5 Career Certificates
161 Academy Medallion recipients
View the full board presentation, which highlights these accomplishments and more.
“This report is more than a summary of numbers and projects,” Dr. Blanco said. “It is a reflection of our community’s strength, progress, and pride. From academic gains and athletic championships to growth in early learning, expanded student and employee supports, and standout achievements in the arts, this year has shown what’s possible when we come together with purpose. Even in the face of crisis, we remain committed to providing every student with an excellent education in safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environments.”
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