Pasadena Unified Approves Dozens of Teacher, Staff Layoffs

District faces $30 million deficit, plans to cut over 160 positions

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education is set to approve more than 160 layoffs of certificated and classified employees this week, part of a plan to address a $30 million structural deficit that has plagued the district for months. The cuts will impact teachers, custodians, librarians, and other staff, with the district citing declining enrollment, rising costs, and uncertainty in state and federal funding as the drivers behind the need for the reductions.

Why it matters

The layoffs reflect the difficult financial challenges facing many school districts, especially those with declining enrollment and rising costs. The cuts could impact student programs and services, and raise concerns about the district's ability to provide a quality education. The situation also highlights the broader challenges in public education funding and the tough decisions school boards must make.

The details

The district resolution includes more than 20 types of impacted roles, from custodians and gardeners to library coordinators and wellness staff. The cuts are part of an approved plan to address the $30 million deficit, which had prompted warnings the district could be placed under county oversight. Last year, the district cut 150 positions, though the final number was lower. This round of layoffs is expected to be reflected in the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget.

  • The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education will vote on the layoffs on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • Layoff notices are set to be sent out to impacted employees next month.

The players

Pasadena Unified School District

The public school district serving the city of Pasadena, California, which is facing a $30 million structural deficit.

Elizabeth Blanco

The superintendent of the Pasadena Unified School District, who has said the layoffs are part of "careful, deliberate efforts" to maintain financial stability.

Martin Dorado

A teacher at Madison Elementary School in the Pasadena Unified School District, who has received layoff notices four times in his nine years with the district.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These actions are among the most difficult decisions any school system can face. They reflect careful, deliberate efforts, both at the central office and school sites, to preserve teaching and learning while maintaining financial stability.”

— Elizabeth Blanco, Superintendent, Pasadena Unified School District (dailynews.com)

“Each time in your head you're thinking, 'OK, this is the last time.'”

— Martin Dorado, Teacher, Madison Elementary School (dailynews.com)

“We should be investing in the humans here within the community. The teachers, the staff, our students. These are the people that make the district what it is.”

— Martin Dorado, Teacher, Madison Elementary School (dailynews.com)

What’s next

The district must submit the reduction-in-force resolutions to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) in March.

The takeaway

The Pasadena Unified School District's decision to approve over 160 layoffs of teachers and staff highlights the difficult financial challenges facing many public school systems, as they grapple with declining enrollment, rising costs, and uncertain funding. The cuts could impact student programs and services, raising concerns about the district's ability to provide a quality education, and underscoring the broader challenges in public education funding.