Pasadena Unified Announces Meeting About Longfellow Elementary Modernization Amid Continuing Community Concerns

The Pasadena Unified School District has scheduled a meeting for May 14 to discuss the modernization of Longfellow Elementary School, according to an announcement from the District. The meeting, set to take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the school auditorium, is open to Longfellow families, students, and staff.

Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education Vice President Jennifer Hall Lee, Interim Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco, and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo are expected to attend the meeting, and other city officials may join.

The meeting aims to address concerns and provide information about the upcoming renovation project and the temporary relocation of Longfellow students.

The decision of where to relocate students during the modernization process has been a point of contention for the Longfellow community.

Initially, the Pasadena Unified School District Board voted to move students to Jefferson Elementary School, just 1.5 miles away, but this decision was later found to have been made improperly and in violation of the Brown Act due to improper agendizing.

The Jefferson campus is under a lease to the City of Pasadena, which opened a library, a Fire Department Training facility, and pickleball courts there.

In a subsequent meeting, the Board voted to keep the city’s lease at Jefferson and instead relocate Longfellow students to Allendale Elementary School, which is approximately 3.5 miles away from Longfellow’s campus and has been vacant since 2005.

Many Longfellow parents expressed frustration with the decision, citing concerns about increased travel time, the impact on vulnerable families, and the potential loss of community engagement.

Despite appeals from Longfellow parents, the Pasadena Unified School District Board ultimately voted 4-3 to proceed with the relocation to Allendale.

The May 14 meeting seeks to provide a forum for the Longfellow community to voice their concerns and receive updates on the modernization project.

The meeting will include Spanish interpretation and childcare for school-age children.