A Message from Superintendent Brian McDonald

[Editor’s Note: This email was issued to the Pasadena Unified School District community by Superintendent Brian McDonald late Wednesday afternoon.]

Dear PUSD Community,

It has been nearly a year since PUSD campuses closed and the world changed. The events of the last year tested our strength, our imagination, and our ability to adjust — all during a time of constant change and uncertainty. Every step of the way, our district community responded with thought and care. Because of all that we have been through together, because of your choices and actions to keep our community safe and strong, we are emerging forever changed. We are stronger and more determined to do the very best for students, schools, and community.

With COVID-19 case rates down and health and safety measures in place, at a special meeting on Thursday, March 4, 2021, the PUSD Board of Education will discuss possible reopening dates. I will recommend that schools begin reopening preK-2nd grade the week of March 29, with grades 3-5 returning April 13 after spring break. The reopening dates are subject to the approval by the Board.

We have said from the beginning that we would not reopen schools until it was safe to do so. I believe that it is now safe for students and staff to return to in-person learning.

Health and safety protocols are being implemented, and we have worked diligently in collaboration with our labor partners. All of our employees will have had the opportunity to be vaccinated prior to the start of in-person learning. By the end of this week, nearly half of our 2,400 employees will be vaccinated.

To solidify plans and students’ schedules, it is essential that parents/guardians complete the Return to School survey with their preference for in-person or remote learning for the remainder of the school year. The survey, which has remained open since last fall, will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 12. Complete the Return to School Survey.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about PUSD’s return to school plans are included below. We will continue to update these and keep you informed in the coming weeks. This information is also posted at www.pusd.us/reopening.

We have been through a difficult time and have experienced losses, but what we have learned lights our path forward. We are stronger than ever and I am proud of everything that the PUSD community has accomplished together. Thank you for the part that you have played in getting us to this point.

Sincerely,

Brian McDonald, Ed.D.
Superintendent