07-15/16-26 Announcements
July 16, 2026
PUSD Board Takes Action to Protect Student Safety
and Ensure Completion of Eaton Fire Soil Remediation
July 16, 2026
PASADENA, Calif. — The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education today approved actions intended to protect the District's ability to complete its ongoing Eaton Fire contaminated soil remediation project and restore safe, healthy, and fully usable campuses before students return for the 2026-2027 school year.
After asking questions about its necessity, the Board approved a resolution reaffirming PUSD’s authority under state law to carry out work necessary to restore school campuses and remove fire-related contaminants from impacted properties and heard a public presentation on the District's remediation efforts.
The Board also authorized the District to pursue appropriate legal action, if necessary, to protect District property and ensure the continued completion of the state-overseen soil remediation project without further interference.
The District's actions follow months of environmental testing, coordination with public agencies, and oversight by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). Environmental testing identified fire-related contaminants, including lead, arsenic, and other substances, in soil at multiple campuses, requiring remediation before students can safely return to unrestricted use of outdoor learning spaces.
"We understand that these have been difficult decisions for our community," said Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D. "No one wants to remove a single tree unnecessarily. But once environmental testing confirmed contaminated soil on our campuses, we had a responsibility to act. Our focus remains where it has always been: protecting the health and safety of our students and restoring safe, healthy campuses for learning."
Throughout the remediation process, the District has worked with public health agencies, environmental experts, DTSC, and the City of Pasadena. PUSD remains committed to continuing that collaboration while fulfilling its legal obligation to protect students and restore its campuses.
More information about the District's soil remediation project, including testing information, project updates, and frequently asked questions, is available at pusd.us/restoringourschools.