Thursday, January 23, 2025

Teachers Rally for Hope and Resilience as PUSD Prepares to Reopen First Group of 10 Schools and Programs on Thursday

By EDDIE RIVERA

More than 3,400 TK-12th grade students return to school at ten schools and programs in the first phase of reopening on Thursday

“Today is Day 15 of what has been the most devastating experience in my 34 years in education,” said PUSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco on Wednesday at a rally for returning teachers one day before a group of campuses will re-open after being closed because of the destructive Eaton Fire.

“But what I have learned is that anything is possible with the right team” she said. Her words resonated with a room filled with teachers who, despite personal losses, were confident about regaining a sense of normalcy for their students.

Just two weeks after a firestorm fueled by high winds roared through Altadena and parts of Pasadena, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) gathered together thousands of  teachers and staff members at the Pasadena City College gymnasium.

Along with Dr. Blanco, in attendance were State Superintendent of Education Tony Thurmond, PUSD Board President Jennifer Hall Lee, PUSD Board Members Patrice Marshall McKenzie, Scott Harden, Michelle Richardson Bailey, Tina Fredericks, and Yarma Velázquez, along with PCC Superintendent/President José A. Gómez and PCC Trustee Tammy Silver.

The packed event was a stirring reaffirmation of resilience and unity.

Dr. Blanco, at the helm of the District’s recovery efforts, addressed the audience with gratitude and determination. The wildfire left many teachers and students without homes, and she acknowledged the immense challenges, including the displacement of 1,400 employees, 300 of whom lived in the direct burn zone.

Yet, the focus of the rally was on rebuilding and reopening schools to restore stability for PUSD’s 14,000 students, 10,000 of whom were directly impacted.

Dr. Blanco set forth PUSD’s guiding principles in the aftermath of the disaster: “Reopen, restore, rebuild, and rise.”

These principles were the foundation for the school district’s efforts clearing 100 tons of debris from campuses, sanitizing facilities, and ensuring safety standards were met.

By Thursday, 10 schools and programs will reopen, with the remainder set to follow by January 30.

In collaboration with state and local partners, the district has also provided 2,500 daily meals at three centers, childcare services, and temporary housing assistance through Airbnb relief funds. Dr. Blanco highlighted the role of labor partners and community organizations like the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) in streamlining these efforts.

“Our teachers have been on the front lines, passing out food and helping others, even when they’ve lost everything themselves,” Dr. Blanco said. “They’ve shown remarkable strength and selflessness.”

The rally was as much a tribute to educators as it was a call to action.

PUSD Board President Hall Lee spoke of the district’s resilience, emphasizing the importance of schools as a safe haven for students.

“For many of our children, schools are more than just a place to learn—they are a family,” she said.

Patrick Conyers, Executive Director of the Pasadena Educational Foundation, echoed the sentiment, announcing plans to provide direct aid to families and staff severely impacted by the wildfire.

“We’ve received generous donations from across the country,” he said. “These funds will help rebuild lives and ensure our school community emerges stronger.”

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond joined the rally, reaffirming state and federal commitments to support PUSD’s recovery. “You all are here, standing for your students despite unimaginable loss,” he said. “We will work to rebuild every home, every school, and every community center.”

Thurmond also emphasized the position that ICE immigration agents would not be welcome on any PUSD campuses, in light of President Trump’s efforts to deport immigrants, including students, across the country.

A group of PUSD music All-Star students also performed, showcasing the strength and adaptability instilled by their educators.

One PUSD student reflected on his family’s loss and the community’s perseverance.

“At a time of destruction so all-encompassing, it’s crucial to remember there is strength in showing weakness,” he said.

The rally ended on a hopeful note, with educators embracing their role as protectors, and Dr. Blanco reminded the crowd of the district’s “power of us” motto.

“I truly believe everyone here today is a hero,” she said. “Together, we will rise.”