Pasadena Parents Concerned About Potential School Closures and Mergers
Parents Express Concerns as Pasadena Unified Weighs School Closures
PASADENA, Calif. – Parents in the Pasadena Unified School District are voicing their worries as an advisory committee considers potential school closures and consolidations amid declining enrollment rates. The committee plans to present recommendations during public hearings scheduled for May 28 and June 11.
Proposed adjustments include the closure of Don Benito Fundamental School, Webster Elementary, and Norma Combs Elementary, alongside a merger between McKinley School and Eliot Arts Magnet. Additional secondary schools, such as Thurgood Marshall and Blair High School, may also be impacted.
During a recent town hall meeting, parents raised concerns that closing schools could adversely affect their children’s education. District officials acknowledge that Pasadena Unified is facing challenges similar to other school systems across Los Angeles County and the state, driven primarily by a significant drop in student enrollment.
According to the California Department of Education, statewide enrollment has decreased by 1.3% for the 2025-26 school year, while schools in Los Angeles County reported a 2.6% decline. These figures align with national trends of falling birth rates, although factors such as rising housing costs also play a role.
In response to these developments, Pasadena Unified issued a statement outlining their approach. The district emphasized that they are in the planning stages and have contracted with an independent consultant to assess future consolidation and transformation options for the 2027-28 school year.
The statement included insights about the process established by Board Resolution 2852, which focuses on optimal school sizes, and highlighted the adoption of equity-focused measures under Assembly Bill 1912. This legislation mandates community engagement and transparency when considering school closures or consolidations.
Furthermore, the Superintendent’s School Consolidation Advisory Committee (SCAC), comprising parents, students, educators, and community representatives, began meeting on February 23, 2026, to ensure a comprehensive review of enrollment and consolidation strategies.
Pasadena Unified reiterated its commitment to a transparent, equity-centered process that prioritizes student needs and honors community input. To facilitate this, the district is hosting various community engagement opportunities, including town hall meetings and open committee sessions.
The SCAC’s recommendations and an accompanying draft equity impact analysis are scheduled to be presented to the Board of Education on May 28, 2026. Public feedback will be included as part of the official record for that meeting.
