More than 650 parents in Altadena and Pasadena have signed an online petition demanding that the Pasadena Unified School District shift proposed budget cuts away from classrooms and toward central office operations, warning that reductions to teachers, specialists and magnet programs will drive families out of the district.
Dozens of families are expected to attend the Nov. 20 Board of Education meeting to deliver that message directly, as trustees prepare to vote on a fiscal stabilization plan requiring $30.5 million in savings for the 2026?27 school year.
The petition argues that the current proposal places a disproportionate burden on school sites, undermining enrollment and destabilizing academic programs.
“Our magnet schools can’t attract or retain families if they’re stripped to the bare minimum,” the petition states.
Parents cite independent estimates showing $10 million to $13 million could be saved through central office reductions and decreased contracted services, with less direct impact on students.
The petition calls on district leaders to preserve school?site staffing, significantly reduce administrative and contracted costs, develop a transparent consolidation plan, and pursue realistic revenue strategies.
“Each enrolled child brings approximately $14,000 to the District. Families will leave if school quality declines, not out of anger, but because their children deserve stability and meaningful instruction,” it reads.
Community pushback has already surfaced. At the Nov. 13 board session, more than 40 speakers urged protection of arts, athletics, libraries and bilingual support services.
Parents and community assistants pressed for deeper administrative reductions before trimming school?based programs.
The stabilization plan combines $25 million in across the board cuts with $5.6 million in new revenue and grants to meet Los Angeles County’s requirement that PUSD identify $30 million to $35 million in savings to avoid state intervention.
County officials said the district is on the “right trajectory” but will not decide whether to approve the plan until reviewing PUSD’s interim financial report, due Dec. 15.
The board will vote on the Fiscal Stabilization Plan on Nov. 20 at district headquarters, 351 S. Hudson Ave. Any approved layoffs would take effect in 2026?27, with reduction?in?force notices due by March 15, 2026.
The county will review the interim report Dec. 15 to determine whether sufficient progress has been made or if state intervention is necessary.
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