UPDATE: Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) leaders, including Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco, urgently addressed a virtual town hall on November 5, 2023, revealing a pressing need to identify $30 million to $35 million in budget cuts to resolve a critical structural deficit. With a vital Board of Education meeting approaching, the district is actively working to stabilize its finances amidst rising costs and declining enrollment.
During the town hall, Blanco emphasized the need for transformation, stating, “With every crisis comes an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to reimagine and reinvent.” This sentiment reflects the district’s commitment to navigating its financial challenges proactively rather than defensively.
Eight workstreams have been initiated to identify necessary cuts, including efforts from the Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee, which comprises teachers, school staff, and parents. The committee has already prioritized potential reductions, with its final meeting held on October 29. Among the proposed cuts are drastic reductions to athletics budgets and staffing, such as eliminating 25% of the athletics budget at each site and cutting community assistants in under-resourced schools.
The district’s financial woes stem from ongoing deficit spending, the expiration of one-time COVID-19 relief funds, and uncertainty regarding state and federal support. As a result, the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) has mandated PUSD submit an updated fiscal stabilization plan by December 6, 2023. LACOE officials previously warned the Board of Education about the seriousness of the situation, stating that urgent action is required.
Blanco noted that $5 million to $10 million in further reductions must be determined across the other workstreams before the board can begin reviewing the proposed cuts. If these reductions are not found, deeper cuts to essential services may be necessary.
So far, the identified central office reductions total approximately $4.9 million in what district officials are calling “Tier 1” cuts. These include potential layoffs in various departments, affecting personnel in business, food services, and special education. Blanco stated that more severe cuts would be presented if the necessary reductions are not achieved.
The urgency of the situation was echoed by Board of Education President Jennifer Hall Lee, who stressed, “These are not abstract numbers. They are real and they are urgent.” The town hall concluded with a Q&A session addressing concerns about layoffs, school consolidation, and athletics.
An in-person town hall is scheduled for November 10, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Pasadena High School gymnasium. Additionally, the Board of Education will hold a study session on the proposed reductions on November 13, 2023, and will take action on recommendations during the meeting set for November 20, 2023.
For more details on the budget crisis and potential solutions, visit pusd.us/budget. This situation is rapidly evolving, and community members are encouraged to stay informed and engaged.
