PUSD Board Approves Layoffs of Almost 200 Amid State Budget Shortfall

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education approved two revised resolutions on Thursday, Feb. 22, that would eliminate nearly 200 certified and classified employee positions.

The decision was made in response to declining enrollment, the end of COVID-19 funding, and ongoing budget issues.

The layoffs, originally announced last Friday, were increased from 135 to 199.4 positions following revisions made earlier this week.

The Los Angeles County Office of Education has mandated the District to implement a financial stabilization plan to address the state’s escalating budget shortfall. Estimates vary, with the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office projecting a deficit of $73 billion, and Governor Newsom’s proposed budget estimating a shortfall of $38 billion.

The twin resolutions, which proposed cutting 109.4 full-time equivalent certified positions and over 90 classified positions, were approved by a 4-3 vote. Board President Kimberly Kenne, District 6 Board Member Tina Fredericks, and District 7 Board Member Dr. Yarma Velázquez voted against the resolutions.

Fredericks had initially moved to delay the vote but her motion failed.