Pasadena School District Receives Positive Budget Certification

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) has received a positive certification from the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) on its latest budget report, a key milestone after the district made significant cost-saving measures to address its ongoing financial crisis.

Why it matters

PUSD has faced years of declining enrollment, rising costs, and uncertainty in federal funding, leading to an ongoing fiscal crisis. The positive certification from LACOE indicates the district's recent budget actions have put it on a more stable financial path, though the county oversight agency remains concerned about PUSD's deficit spending.

The details

In a letter to the district, LACOE acknowledged PUSD's cost-saving steps that included staff and program cuts. At Board of Education meetings last year, officials said these measures set the district on a firmer fiscal footing. As part of the annual budget process, districts are required to submit financial reports throughout the year to the county oversight agency.

• PUSD received the positive certification this week on its second interim budget report.
• LACOE has requested PUSD submit an updated fiscal stabilization plan by July 1.

What’s next

PUSD is in the process of considering school consolidation, with final decisions to be made by the Board of Education.