The Pasadena Unified School District will lay off more than 100 teachers and staff, including many who lost their homes in the Eaton fire.
The decision was made during a meeting Thursday night. The board said the district has already faced about $25 million in budget cuts this year, with another $12 million expected next year.
Among those urging the board to reconsider was 5th-grade teacher Maureen Noble.
“Cutting teachers is a completely counterproductive move because when word gets out that PUSD does not show up for its teachers, families will stop showing up at our schools and then,” she said. “We are really gonna be in trouble.”
Dr. Bernardo, a teacher at Pasadena High School, said many community members have lost everything.
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“Homes, family members, pets, places of worship or have been severely displaced quite recently and then on top of that they're also facing cuts to their positions and to the positions of our friends and colleagues, she said. “Why must we do this every year?”
The board said they have to follow the rules set by the California Teachers Association and that if they don't act now, there could be even more layoffs next year.
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