Neighborhood Group Says School Board Should Fully Fund Renovation of San Rafael Elementary Campus

The San Rafael Neighborhoods Association (SRNA) is calling for the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education to fully fund the renovation and modernization of San Rafael Elementary School with Measure O bond funds. The group said in a statement this week that it is essential for a public elementary school to continue operating in West Pasadena.

The SRNA said it believes that the history of underinvestment in San Rafael Elementary necessitates and supports a fully funded renovation and modernization to “catch up” for historical underinvestment and that update would position the school for continued success.

Over the next several months, the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education will determine how to allocate over $500 million of Measure O Bond money that Pasadena voters approved in 2020. The funds will be used to upgrade schools, including renovating classrooms, providing access to technology, creating science labs, and repairing facilities, roofs, and equipment.

“Most importantly, the current condition of the facility and campus is an unacceptable learning environment for children attending school in our community in the 21st century,” the statement said. “The children of West Pasadena and San Rafael Elementary deserve the benefits of a modern learning environment that they are currently being deprived.”

The PUSD Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting to determine the criteria for allocating the Measure O monies at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 17. Details about the meeting can be accessed by clicking here: PUSD Board of Education August 17 Meeting.

While this bond money will lead to much-needed and long-overdue improvements to school facilities, how these funds are allocated will determine the future of the Pasadena school system.

There are currently 24 schools and five preschool Children’s Centers in the PUSD.  Over the past 20 years, enrollment has declined to 15,000 students over the last 20 years. 

This downward enrollment trend is expected to continue for at least the near future. 

The Board of Education members are being tasked with making a complicated decision, necessitating significant tradeoffs that will impact Pasadena children, school campuses and neighborhoods for many years.

Currently, San Rafael Elementary is the only remaining elementary school servicing the West Pasadena area. 

“Maintaining a modern elementary school in West Pasadena is essential. It is not viable or reasonable to create a public elementary school desert in West Pasadena,” the group said.

According to the association, over the years the San Rafael Elementary School has experienced mixed levels of success and support. However, since becoming a dual-language immersion school in 2009 San Rafael Elementary’s reputation for academic excellence has improved and enrollment has seen steady improvement. This academic improvement has occurred despite the lack of a modern educational environment for the children and the poor condition of the facility and campus.

It is anticipated that the Board will vote on the allocation priorities during either the August 24 or September 7 meeting. Details on these and all PUSD Board of Education meetings can be found here: PUSD Boad of Education Meeting Schedule.