URGENT UPDATE: Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is racing against the clock to identify $30 million to $35 million in budget cuts as officials confront a deepening fiscal crisis. During a virtual town hall on November 5, 2023, Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco revealed that comprehensive measures are underway to address a significant structural deficit, prompting concerns among parents, teachers, and stakeholders.
As the district grapples with declining enrollment, rising costs, and the expiration of temporary COVID-19 relief funds, the urgency is palpable. Blanco emphasized the dire situation, stating, “With every crisis comes an opportunity. It’s a chance to reimagine, reinvent, and transform.” This comes ahead of a pivotal Board of Education meeting on November 13, where the future of essential services hangs in the balance.
The town hall, which streamed live on the KLRN Pasadena YouTube channel, outlined eight distinct workstreams aimed at pinpointing necessary cuts. These initiatives include the Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee, central office reductions, and adjustments in special education and transportation, among others. Blanco indicated that an immediate target of $5 million to $10 million in reductions must be identified before potential cuts can be finalized.
“These are not abstract numbers,” said Board of Education President Jennifer Hall Lee. “They are real and they are urgent.”
Among the proposed cuts are a 25% reduction to the athletics budget, layoffs of community assistants in under-resourced schools, and substantial cuts to arts programs. The Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee, comprising educators, parents, and community members, has been working diligently since September to create a ranked list of potential reductions, evaluating each service based on its importance.
Blanco highlighted that the district’s financial issues stem from a combination of deficit spending and uncertainties in state and federal funding. The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) has mandated that PUSD submit a revised fiscal stabilization plan by December 6, further intensifying the pressure on district leaders.
If the necessary $5 million to $10 million is not found within the identified workstreams, deeper cuts will be necessary, impacting central office operations and potentially leading to layoffs. Current Tier 1 reductions include about $4.9 million in cuts affecting various departments including food services, human resources, and early childhood education.
The in-person town hall is scheduled for November 10 at 6:30 PM inside the Pasadena High School gymnasium, where community members can voice their concerns directly to district leaders. The Board of Education will take decisive action on the proposed cuts during a meeting on November 20.
As the district navigates this tumultuous financial landscape, the implications for students and families are profound. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the educational landscape in Pasadena for years to come. For continuous updates, visit pusd.us/budget.
