Pasadena, California School District Cuts 164 Jobs

The Pasadena Unified School District in California will cut 164 jobs to meet a $23 million budget gap this spring. Layoffs include teachers and administrative staff and the school board expects to save $20 million in the move. 76 of 120 classroom teachers losing their jobs are elementary school teachers. District Chief Financial Officer John Pappalardo said cuts focused on the elementary school because classes were smaller at the outset than Middle and High School classes in the district. Counselors, librarians, nurses, psychologists, assistant principals, resource specialists, a special education teacher and the executive director of secondary education will receive lay off notices.

The school board approved instituting a five day unpaid furlough for other administrators and custodians. Superintendent Edwin Diaz will take a pay cut of $7,000 and pay $140 more per month towards his health insurance benefit.