(Español) PUSD Board of Education Special Meeting - July 16, 2026

This transcript is from a special meeting of the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education held on July 16, 2026. The meeting focused extensively on the remediation of contaminated soil at several school sites following a recent wildfire, with particular attention to the impact on mature trees protected under city ordinances. Community members and board members discussed the challenges of balancing environmental concerns, student safety, and regulatory compliance. The district has a $6.6 million contract for soil remediation, which has increased to an estimated $10.7 million due to project delays and complexities. The board considered a resolution regarding jurisdictional authority over tree removal and soil remediation, ultimately passing a motion to assert the district's authority rather than the city's. The discussion highlighted the need to complete remediation during summer breaks to avoid disrupting students, the potential for contract extensions with the remediation contractor, and the importance of preserving mature trees where possible without compromising safety. The meeting underscored ongoing tensions between the district and city authorities, community advocacy for tree preservation, and the financial and logistical challenges of the remediation project.