PUSD Board Limits K-3 Class Sizes
2010-11 Budget Prioritizes Middle School Reform, Professional Development
June 9, 2010
Pasadena, CA – As part of its ongoing budget development process for 2010-11, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education voted to target funds to limit class sizes in Kindergarten through third grade, strengthen middle schools, and provide teacher training. The action supports the District’s strategic priorities and continued focus on quality instruction in the critical early and middle grades.
The Governor’s proposed state budget will cut PUSD revenues by $25 million next year. To close this gap, the Board has eliminated 250 jobs, increased class sizes, reduced centralized services, closed libraries, and scaled back arts, health, and enrichment and support programs.
“We are struggling to absorb a $25 million loss without compromising educational experiences for our students,” said Edwin Diaz, Superintendent of Schools. “In this difficult fiscal environment, it’s critical that we use our limited resources to support programs and policies that have proven effective for students.”
The Board of Education accepted a recommendation to increase Kindergarten class sizes from 22 to 25 students, and to raise first through third grade class sizes from 22 to 27 students. The District will utilize $1.8 million in previously restricted state monies to prevent class sizes from swelling to as many as 30 students in the early grades. PUSD will apply the remainder of these funds to match a grant for teachers for the Excellent Middle Schools Program, and to boost the number of students proficient in math and language arts by retaining instructional coaches.
On Tuesday, the Board also approved transferring funds from centralized services to increase school site budgets for support and enrichment programs. As a result of district-wide budget reductions, schools will have fewer arts and music teachers for instrumental programs, musical festivals and exhibitions. Health and Physical Education programs at schools will also be reduced or eliminated due to the loss of four to six health employees. Willard and Blair will receive only half of the cost of supplemental staff for the International Baccalaureate program, and three supplemental staff positions for the John Muir Reinvention will be eliminated.
The impact of reductions in District-level support of special programs will vary for schools throughout the district. Accordingly, schools will have the flexibility to identify their highest budget priorities and utilize funds to replace the programs and personnel designated most important by parents, students and staff. Over the next several weeks, school administrators will work with school site councils to determine how to best allocate resources.
Budget deliberations will continue through the month of June, as the Board of Education prepares to approve the 2010-11 fiscal year budget on June 30.
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