Tuesday, March 17, 2026

PUSD School Consolidation Survey Closes Wednesday as Advisory Committee Narrows Options

Residents have two days to weigh in on priorities; nine schools already removed from consideration

The Pasadena Unified School District’s community survey on potential school consolidation closes Wednesday, March 18, giving families across Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre two days to submit input on a process that could reshape the district by the 2027-28 school year.

The “Transforming PUSD” survey, which opened March 3 and was extended by Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco, seeks community priorities as a 33-member advisory committee evaluates options to address the district’s projected $30 to $35 million budget shortfall for 2026-27. The survey is one of several input channels; the district also planned two town halls, seven committee meetings open to the public, and Board of Education meetings with public comment, according to district materials.

The Superintendent’s School Consolidation Advisory Committee voted March 9 to remove nine schools from the list under consideration for closure or consolidation. Those schools include John Muir High School, Pasadena High School, Octavia E. Butler Magnet, Sierra Madre Middle School, Mary W. Jackson STEAM, Madison Elementary, Sierra Madre Elementary, CIS Academy, and Rose City High School.

The committee will continue narrowing options through five more meetings before presenting recommendations to the Board of Education in May.

“The Committee will continue its work through several additional rounds and, over time, will likely significantly narrow the number of school(s) to be considered for closure or consolidation,” Blanco said in a community message.

“It is important to note that no school is slated to be closed or consolidated at this point in time, and that it is possible that the Committee may not recommend any schools for closure,” Blanco said.

The survey collects priorities and perspectives but does not determine which schools close. The Board of Education has final authority over any consolidation recommendations.

State law under Assembly Bill 1912 requires the district to conduct an equity impact analysis using nine metrics adopted by the Board in January under Resolution 2857.. Those metrics include facility conditions, operating costs, school capacity, special programs, demographic balance, and transportation needs, according to district materials.

PUSD’s enrollment has declined approximately 23.4% over the past decade, from 17,267 students in 2014-15 to 13,228 in the current school year, according to Pasadena Now. The district has closed 11 schools since 1989, the outlet reported.

The survey is accessible at pusd.us/scac. The SCAC’s next meeting is Monday, March 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 351 S. Hudson Ave., Room 151, in Pasadena.

The Board of Education is scheduled to vote on any consolidation recommendations on June 25. Any approved changes would take effect for the 2027-28 school year.