PUSD Superintendent and President Release Statement on LACOE’S Interim Budget Report

PUSD President Larry Torres. – Courtesy photo / Facebook, @PasadenaUnifiedSchoolDistrict

Pasadena Unified School District Board President Larry Torres and Superintendent Brian McDonald provided a statement on LA County Office of Education’s (LACOE) approval of their First Interim Budget Report. Their statement reads as follows:

 “This week, the L.A. County Office of Education (LACOE) approved our positive certification of the First Interim Budget Report, affirming the Pasadena Unified School District’s long-term fiscal stability.

“LACOE’S approval recognizes the great strides we have made in the last year to significantly reduce deficit spending and restore our reserves.  We made tough decisions, and we would like to thank and commend members of the Board of Education and district staff for completing this difficult process.

“The passage of Measure J further ensures our fiscal stability and brings local and sustained support for our students and schools. I would like thank voters for their faith and belief in our schools and for the vote of confidence in the work being done in our schools every day. “We would also like to thank the teachers and staff who work every day to make sure that our students learn and thrive.

“Although we have made considerable progress, we still have to address reduced state funding because of declining enrollment, rising Special Education costs, and increases in pension contributions.

“However, we are further encouraged by Governor Gavin Newsom’s first budget, which demonstrates his commitment to improved funding for public schools and also recognizes the challenges facing California school districts.

“Taken together, this news is both affirming and encouraging.”

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