Residents press Pasadena Unified trustees to halt closure plans and demand budget transparency

Public commenters filled much of the board’s meeting to oppose proposed school closures and press the Pasadena Unified School District for clearer accounting of bond and grant spending. Over multiple speakers, residents from Upper Hastings Ranch and other neighborhoods said closing schools such as Don Benito would break community trust and harm students.

Several speakers asked the board to cancel contracts and revisit consolidation recommendations, arguing past closures did not improve district finances. “Adoptando ese presupuesto, recuerden que cada dólar es de los residentes que creyeron que están invirtiendo a en el futuro de educación pública, no cerrando más escuelas,” one resident said, urging trustees to adopt a budget that benefits all schools.

Speakers repeatedly raised transparency concerns: they asked for details on how donor and one‑time funds were used, for evidence that bond dollars improved school facilities and for a public plan showing how vacancies and program reductions would be addressed. Parents described the social and emotional cost of closures and asked the board to prioritize stability and student services over short‑term savings.

Board members acknowledged the volume of public comment and said staff will supply additional documents and reports for the June 25 meeting. The board did not take a final vote on any closure resolution at this session; instead it approved routine consent motions by voice vote and adjourned after extending the meeting.

Votes at a glance: The board approved a motion to extend the meeting and later approved all consent agenda motions by voice vote; no closure or consolidation action was finalized during this meeting.