Pasadena Unified rescinds layoffs for 40 certificated school employees; 91 positions still being cut

In February, the board of education approved the cutting of more than 150 positions due to ongoing financial issues attributed to declining enrollment, expiration of COVID-19 relief funds and rising costs.

“We’re pleased to be able to keep so many of our valued educators,” Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement. “That said, we’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to our long-term financial outlook.”

Certificated positions include classroom teachers, counselors and psychologists. PUSD will still be moving forward with cutting 91 certificated full-time positions in an effort to address a $37 million deficit. The process of determining which layoffs would be rescinded was guided by state law and the collective bargaining process.

Members of the United Teachers of Pasadena union listen to public comments during a Pasadena Unified School District board of education meeting where they were expected to vote on resolutions that would cut 151 positions including teachers and staff at the PUSH office in Pasadena on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

In response to the district’s proposed layoffs, members of the United Teachers of Pasadena staged protests outside the district offices during board meetings and spoke during public comment demanding the district find another alternative to addressing the financial crisis.

United Teachers of Pasadena leadership could not be immediately reached for comment.

Despite the public outcry, district officials maintained that the cuts announced this year would not be enough on their own to fix the issues and that additional cuts would be needed in the coming years.

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