Wednesday, October 21, 2026

School Board to Consider Linda Vista Development Agreement Thursday

Proposed agreement would advance negotiations over former school property while maintaining protections for existing park

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education will review and vote on an exclusive negotiating agreement for the potential redevelopment of the former Linda Vista Elementary School property in Pasadena on Thursday, Oct. 22.

The proposed agreement involves CWL Development Company LLC, a company wholly owned by InSite Realty Advisors, according to the district’s published meeting agenda. InSite was selected as the district’s preferred development partner in June.

The agreement would establish a framework for negotiations over the former school property at 1259 Linda Vista Ave., including assessments of the project’s feasibility and community engagement. Approval would not authorize construction or finalize a long-term ground lease.

The district is exploring development of the property as a potential source of long-term revenue to support educational programs and services, according to the board agenda.

A central issue is the preservation of the existing park on the property.

When trustees considered development proposals June 25, area residents urged the board to protect the park from relocation or reduction in size.

The board voted 5-2 to approve Resolution 2895 with an amendment requiring the proposed development to preserve the park’s existing footprint, location and size, according to official meeting minutes.

Trustees Jennifer Hall Lee and Michelle Richardson Bailey opposed the amended resolution.

The June action authorized district officials to begin negotiating with the selected developer but did not approve a final development project.

Thursday’s proposed agreement represents the next stage of that process. The district’s agenda describes negotiations, project feasibility assessments and community engagement as elements of the proposed arrangement.

Any eventual redevelopment would require additional planning and approvals before construction could proceed.

The board is also scheduled to consider directing Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco to present a district transformation plan by the regular board meeting Nov. 19. The proposal addresses the structure and responsibilities of a staff-facilitated community committee.

Other agenda items include public hearings on proposed labor negotiations involving United Teachers of Pasadena, the California School Employees Association and Teamsters Local 986.

Trustees will also hold a public hearing on the renewal petition submitted by Odyssey Charter School.

Thursday’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., with presentations followed by a closed session at 4:45 p.m.

The public meeting is scheduled to resume at 6:15 p.m., with public comments scheduled from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m.

The meeting will take place in the Elbie J. Hickambottom Board Room, Room 236, at 351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena. Proceedings will also be broadcast online through the district’s meeting system.