State cuts force PUSD schools to scale back projects

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Vastly reduced state funding for school construction projects is forcing Pasadena education officials to downsize plans for the $350-million Measure TT bond.

When Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre voters approved Measure TT in 2008, officials drew up plans for $465 million in school renovation projects based on eligibility for state bond proceeds and other matching funds.

But due to the state budget crisis, much of that money has dried up — reducing the total bond budget to about $371.3 million, said Pasadena Unified School District Chief Facilities Officer David Azcárraga. That’s a 20% drop.

The impact will be spread out relatively evenly over the district’s 31 schools, said Bond Program Manager Robin Brown.

More at the Pasadena Sun.