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Willard: New Asphalt [Pasadena Unified photo]
Willard: Boys Restroom [Pasadena Unified photo]
Muir: New Lock Install [Pasadena Unified photo]
Eliot: Staff Restroom 2nd Floor Flood Test [Pasadena Unified photo]
ADA Upgrade Field Eliot: New Restroom Partitions [Pasadena Unified photo]
Eliot: Track Restoration [Pasadena Unified photo]
Pasadena High School: New Benches [Pasadena Unified photo]
Pasadena High School: New Curb [Pasadena Unified photo]
Sierra Madre Elementary School: New Playground and Surface [Pasadena Unified photo]
The Pasadena Unified School District recapped progress on several facility improvement projects across its campuses in a statement late last week. These upgrades, funded by Measure O, a $516.3 million bond measure approved by voters in 2020, are aimed at enhancing health, safety and overall campus experiences for students and staff.
Many projects are scheduled for completion before the new school year begins on Monday, August 19, while others will continue in phases to minimize disruption.
Major renovations are underway at multiple schools, PUSD said, with a focus on restroom facilities, health and safety improvements, and accessibility upgrades.
At Eliot Arts Magnet, second floor restrooms are being renovated with new tiling, waterproofing, flooring and plumbing fixtures. The school’s track is also undergoing reconditioning, with additional work planned for the main field and quad area.
Willard Elementary is seeing extensive upgrades, including restroom renovations, major asphalt work on walkways and patios, and the installation of privacy fencing along Del Mar Boulevard. New permeable pathways and natural play spaces are also being added around the school field.
Sierra Madre Elementary is receiving a new playground structure with rubber surfacing, asphalt repairs, and privacy fencing along Hermosa Avenue. Additional work includes chain link fence replacement, playground sealing and striping, and the painting of low walls. A restroom renovation project is also planned for the 2024:2025 school year.
“These projects enhance the health, safety, and overall campus experience for our students, employees, families, and visitors,” Pasadena Unified administrators said.
Other significant projects include the installation of a temporary chiller at Madison Elementary, with permanent units scheduled for November. Sierra Madre Elementary is receiving central plant upgrades, including a new electrical vault and chiller installation.
At San Rafael Elementary, work on health and safety projects to upgrade utilities has partially begun. The District is collaborating with the Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) to address electrical concerns, estimated to be completed by the end of the 2024:2025 school year.
A District:wide security enhancement project has replaced locksets at 16 sites, with more underway. At one campus alone, 69 locks were replaced as part of this comprehensive security initiative.
Pasadena High School is undergoing a $4.9 million modernization of its front entrance, expanding the lobby and adding accessibility upgrades. The project, set for completion by summer 2025, includes new landscaping, irrigation systems, and facade improvements.
Accessibility upgrades related to Phase I – Shade Structure Projects are also underway at multiple sites, focusing on improving ramps, pathways, and minor restroom reconfigurations.
While most projects are on schedule, some face delays as the District collaborates with other public agencies.
“Some are delayed while the District collaborates with other public agencies to ensure that work is done right, in alignment, and meets the highest standards,” PUSD explained.
The District pointed out that major work is concentrated during summer months to minimize disruption to school operations. Projects that extend into the academic year are typically divided into phases to reduce impact on students and staff.
Measure O was passed to fund technology access improvements, expand STEAM courses, and support various school upgrades. The measure levies $45/$100,000 assessed value, averaging $28,504,000 annually while bonds are outstanding. It requires annual independent audits and oversight by a citizens’ committee.
“Measure O provides critical funds for exactly that – creating, maintaining and continually upgrading cutting edge software, hardware and supporting infrastructure,” PUSD said.
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