Wednesday, August 27, 2025

PUSD Students Return to Upgraded Campuses After Summer Renovation Projects

[photo credit: Pasadena Unified School District]

Bond-funded improvements enhance facilities across 34 schools as district welcomes nearly 14,000 students

Students at the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) returned to significantly improved campuses Aug. 18 as the 2025-2026 school year began.

The district welcomed an estimated 13,591 students across 34 campuses that Monday. Many found their schools transformed by summer renovation projects funded by voter-approved bond measures.

“The Power of PUSD was on full display,” said Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, PUSD superintendent, in a message to the community about the school year’s start.

Hamilton Elementary School students discovered a newly transformed playground featuring fresh paint and revitalized surfaces. Pasadena High School received a refreshed entrance and new walkways with landscaping.

At John Muir High School, facilities teams installed new partitions and repaired ceilings and walls in restrooms. The 1926-built school at 1905 Lincoln Ave. also received front-entry security system installations as part of safety improvements.

“We have wanted this capability for a long time,” said Dr. Lawton Gray III, John Muir High School principal. “It’s a great feature that not only increases safety but is also incredibly helpful for staff, who no longer need to interrupt their tasks to open the door for visitors.”

The upgrades represent the early stages of extensive facility improvements planned districtwide. Major renovations at John Muir High School were expected to break ground in June 2025, with completion anticipated in September 2026.

Funding for these projects comes from two significant bond measures. Voters approved Measure O in November 2020, authorizing $516.3 million in general obligation bonds. They followed with Measure R approval in November 2024, authorizing $900 million in bonds for school facility upgrades.

“Good facilities are key to creating a safe and welcoming environment for students,” Gray said. “They help support learning and extracurricular activities but also help us attract new families and students. Our students deserve the best.”

PUSD said more projects at school sites are planned throughout the year, continuing the district’s commitment to facility improvements.