Monday, February 24, 2025

Updates for Pasadena Unified Campus Modernization Projects Go Before School Board

Fire damage at Franklin Elementary campus forces renovation schedule changes and relocations

Pasadena Unified School District officials will present a facilities and bond program update to the Board of Education on February 27, 2025. The report details both extensive campus relocations and adjustments to modernization project timelines due to fire damage at Franklin Elementary.

“The fires at the Franklin campus destroyed the Cafetorium and the Administration Building as well as significantly impacting the utilities at the site,” according to the facilities report. After the assessment, officials determined that Franklin would not be ready for use as a swing space during the 2025-26 school year.

This development necessitated changes to the campus modernization schedule.

Madison Elementary’s renovation will be postponed by one year, with both Madison and San Rafael now set to begin modernization in June 2026. Webster Elementary’s modernization project will also be delayed.

Six schools and programs have already completed relocations. Eliot Arts Magnet, Altadena Arts Magnet, and Pasadena Unified School District Early Childhood Offices and Pre-K Classes opened at their new locations on January 30, 2025. Rosebud Academy launched at Don Benito campus on February 11, while Aveson School of Leaders began operations at Cleveland on February 18. Odyssey Charter School – South has moved to private locations.

Altadena Arts Magnet’s home campus is undergoing cleaning and remediation, expected to finish by February 28, followed by environmental testing scheduled for completion by March 3. Officials aim to return the school to its home campus before the 2025-26 school year begins.

Meanwhile, portable classrooms are on track to arrive at the temporary Allendale site in coming weeks.

Eliot Arts will continue its co-location with McKinley K-8 through the 2025-26 school year, with ten portable classrooms being added to create additional space.

Several bond-funded projects remain on schedule to begin in the Summer of 2025. These include restroom and utility upgrades at five elementary schools: Willard (Phase 2), Sierra Madre, Norma Coombs, Jackson STEM, and Hamilton. Marshall Fundamental will receive comprehensive improvements including restrooms, athletic field, water, sewer, storm drain, and electrical service upgrades.

Additional projects launching in Summer 2025 include campus-wide modernization at Longfellow Elementary and extensive renovations at John Muir High School, encompassing the gym complex, aquatics facilities, athletic fields, parking areas, and restrooms.

The complete School Board agenda is online here.