Monday, June 16, 2025

PUSD Issues Report to Community Highlighting Recovery and Achievement After Eaton Fire

District showcases resilience and academic progress despite unprecedented challenges from wildfire devastation

The Pasadena Unified School District released its 2025 Report to the Community this week, documenting the District’s recovery and academic achievements following the devastating Eaton Fire that destroyed or damaged five school sites and displaced numerous students, families, and employees at the start of 2025.

“This year has tested us in ways we could never have anticipated,” Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco said. “Our response has shown exactly who we are. A community that stands together, supports one another, and never stops working for the future of our children.”

According to a statement from the District, the comprehensive report, presented at the June 12 Board of Education meeting, demonstrates progress across the District’s five strategic pillars despite unprecedented challenges. 

Four Pasadena Unified School District schools earned California Distinguished School recognition: Altadena Arts Magnet School, Field Elementary School, Sierra Madre Elementary School, and Sierra Madre Middle School. Rose City Continuation High School received the California Model School designation.

Preliminary 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress results show District-wide performance of 48.24 percent of students meeting or exceeding standards in English Language Arts and 36.23 percent in mathematics, with 100 percent of secondary schools demonstrating growth in math.

Literacy growth data shows 17 percent more students moving into “Early On Level or Above” categories from fall to spring. In mathematics, 23 percent more students achieved “Early On Level or Above” status.

The District’s International Baccalaureate programs experienced major growth, with a 36 percent increase in 12th-grade diploma candidates and a 64 percent increase in 11th-grade anticipated candidates. The Class of 2025 produced 28 International Baccalaureate Diplomas among 1,050 graduates.

Early Childhood Education programs expanded, with prekindergarten enrollment growing 21 percent from 365 to 446 students. Transitional Kindergarten expanded from 15 to 20 classrooms.

Marshall High School’s Girls’ Tennis Team earned a California Interscholastic Federation Division 5 championship and Pasadena High School’s football team captured a Division 13 championship. Arts programs reached new heights with over 100 students participating in a professional-level All-Star Musical.

Gifted and Talented Education programs served 420 students in Innovation Clubs, with 396 students competing at the Pasadena Unified School District Math Field Day and earning 10 County medals.

The Human Resources department supported 94 new teachers through induction programs, achieving a 98 percent completion rate. During the Eaton Fire crisis, Human Resources assisted over 150 employees with emergency housing connections.

The District’s Alder Graduate School of Education program hired 10 out of 16 residents from the 2023-2024 cohort, with the 2024-2025 cohort reflecting substantial diversity progress: 62 percent identifying as Latinx and Black representation increasing from 6 percent to 24 percent.

Mental health services reached 568 students through Thrive School Mental Health programs and 580 students through Pasadena Unified School District Mental Health Services, supported by 13 graduate student interns. The District distributed 3,369 boxes of fresh produce through the California Fresh Success Program.

Expanded Learning programs served 4,236 students in grades Transitional Kindergarten-12, while Twilight Adult School experienced 20 percent enrollment growth, serving 648 students.

Looking Forward

“Even as we continue to heal, our eyes are on the future,” Pasadena Unified School District Board President Jennifer Hall Lee said. “This report underscores our promise to provide inspiring, modern learning environments and to nurture every student’s potential.”

“This report is more than a summary of numbers and projects,” Blanco said. “It is a reflection of our community’s strength, progress, and pride. From academic gains and athletic championships to growth in early learning, expanded student and employee supports, and standout achievements in the arts, this year has shown what’s possible when we come together with purpose. Even in the face of crisis, we remain committed to providing every student with an excellent education in safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environments.”

The complete Report to the Community is available in English and Spanish at pusd.us/rtc.