Pasadena Unified Names New Chief Business Officer After Vacancy

Arik Avanesyans to join PUSD amid fiscal challenges and school consolidation process

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:40pm

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The Pasadena Unified School District has appointed Arik Avanesyans as its new chief business officer, filling a position that has been vacant for six months. Avanesyans joins PUSD from the Newhall School District and will start on July 1, pending board approval. He will lead the district's business operations, including budget, facilities, and IT, as PUSD navigates financial pressures and a school consolidation process.

Why it matters

The CBO position has been empty since mid-September, which drew concern from the Los Angeles County Office of Education, which is overseeing PUSD's finances under a conditional budget approval. The new CBO will be tasked with strengthening the district's financial foundation while keeping students at the center of decisions during a challenging period.

The details

Avanesyans has 20 years of experience in public education business services in California, having served as assistant superintendent, CBO, and business manager in several school districts. He will lead PUSD's business operations, including budget development and oversight, facilities, the bond program, procurement, food services, and IT. Avanesyans will also participate in collective bargaining negotiations as a member of the Superintendent's leadership team.

  • The CBO position has been vacant since mid-September 2025.
  • Avanesyans will start on July 1, 2026, pending board approval.

The players

Arik Avanesyans

The new chief business officer for the Pasadena Unified School District, joining from the Newhall School District where he served as assistant superintendent of business services since 2023.

Elizabeth Blanco

The superintendent of the Pasadena Unified School District, who stated that Avanesyans' experience will be essential as the district strengthens its financial foundation.

Octavio Castelo

The director of business advisory services at the Los Angeles County Office of Education, which is overseeing PUSD's finances under a conditional budget approval.

Saman Bravo-Karimi

The previous chief business officer for PUSD, who left the position in mid-September 2025 to return to the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Pasadena Unified School District

The school district in Pasadena, California that is facing financial pressures and a school consolidation process.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Avanesyans brings a strong track record of fiscal stewardship, operational excellence, and steady leadership to PUSD. His experience navigating complex systems and delivering results will be essential as we continue strengthening our financial foundation while keeping students at the center of every decision.”

— Elizabeth Blanco, Superintendent

“I am deeply honored to join Pasadena Unified, a community with a strong commitment to student success and educational excellence. I'm excited to bring my experience and passion to the role and be part of the work that makes a real difference in the lives of students and families every day.”

— Arik Avanesyans

“Anytime there is a vacancy in a district's chief financial officer position, 'it's a concern to us.'”

— Octavio Castelo, Director of Business Advisory Services, Los Angeles County Office of Education

What’s next

The Board of Education will vote on Avanesyans' appointment at its March 26 meeting.

The takeaway

The appointment of a new chief business officer is a critical step for the Pasadena Unified School District as it works to address its fiscal challenges and implement a school consolidation process, all while keeping student success at the forefront.