How Will Sequestration Cuts Affect PUSD Schools?

Sequestration—automatic federal cuts that started March 1—has the country abuzz, but what does it mean locally? 

Congressional Representatives Judy Chu (D-Pasadena), who represents Sierra Madre, and Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) urged parents and others Friday to take action against the cuts that will affect the already struggling Pasadena Unified School District.

“At PUSD, sequestration will add another $1 million to the approximately $8-10 million in budget cuts that were already looming,” according to Superintendent Jon Gundry, the Pasadena Star-News reported.

It is still unclear how the cuts will be applied, which makes it difficult for the district to plan the upcoming year, said the Star-News.

Without factoring in sequestration cuts, the PUSD announced at the end of February that it would issue layoff notices to an equivalent of 81.5 employees. Some or all of the layoffs may be repealed if the district can find extra money, which is often the case.

See more on sequestration’s effects on Pasadena schools here.