Thursday, June 26, 2025

School Board to Review Ambitious $300 Million Capital Improvement Program Tonight

District presents comprehensive facilities modernization plan focusing on infrastructure, safety, and educational enhancements

The Pasadena Unified School District will unveiled a comprehensive Capital Bond Program tonight in an update to the Board of Education.

Currently, the district has $76.2 million in active construction projects, according to the report. It will break ground in 2026 on $135.5 million worth of additional projects. And the report said  the district also has over $86.8 million in projects currently in the design phase.

Active construction projects include a $52 million renovation of the John Muir High School pool and gym, $4.2 million in restroom and utility upgrades at five campuses, $15 million for emergency relocations across five campuses, $1.4 million in health and safety improvements at three school sites, and $3.6 million for the second phase of shade structure installations.

The report said these projects were designed to address critical needs related to health, safety, athletics, and student dignity.

Looking ahead, PUSD is preparing to break ground in 2026 on $135.5 million worth of additional projects. Major initiatives in this phase include the modernization of Madison Elementary School ($43 million) and Longfellow Elementary School ($46.5 million), as well as expanded scope upgrades for the Marshall Fundamental Athletic Field ($24 million) and Pasadena High School aquatics and restrooms ($22 million).

In addition to active and upcoming construction, the district has over $86.8 million in projects currently in the design phase.

These include the Don Benito multipurpose room ($6.8 million), the Eliot Middle School campus rebuild, the Franklin Elementary School rebuild ($15 million), the San Rafael Elementary School project ($35 million), the Webster Elementary School project ($30 million), and a staff housing project currently in the entitlement phase. These investments are aimed at replacing aging infrastructure, modernizing educational spaces, and providing essential staff housing.

According to the report, PUSD is also building a digital foundation to support these physical improvements.

Recent achievements include the awarding of contracts for inspection, geotechnical, and laboratory services, as well as the launch of a Digital Design Guide and district-wide campus surveys. Ongoing efforts include underground utility scans and the procurement of a digital archive of as-built construction documents.

The district is developing a Living Digital Master Plan Platform, which will serve as a searchable, cloud-based record of PUSD’s physical infrastructure for years to come.

Strategic planning is underway for future investments, with categories under active review for Measure R funding allocation. These include further campus modernizations, vehicle and transportation upgrades, technology refreshes, expanded staff housing, new furniture and equipment, athletic field resurfacing, and comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades such as solar installations, building controls, and HVAC system improvements. The district is also considering critical repairs to roofing and fire alarm systems, upgrades to utilities infrastructure, modernization of support facilities, auditorium improvements, and updates to early childhood education centers.