Pasadena School Board Approves an Armenian Dual-Language Program

At the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) board meeting of Thursday, March 26, the Board voted in a 4–3 split vote to approve an Armenian-English dual-language program for grades 9–12. There were ninety minutes of discussion. Dr. Elizabeth J. Blanco, chief academic officer, called the new program a “hybrid” of current academic and dual-language immersion programs (DLIP). Tentatively set to begin in the Fall 2020 semester, it will cost $1.5 million to implement. Board member Michelle Richardson Bailey noted that there was some concern that the separate location of the Armenian DLIP would create a kind of “segregation” on the Blair campus.

Board member Kim Kenne inquired about whether the district was not using the school buses but still paying for them. Superintendent Brian McDonald replied yes.

Updates on the impact of coronavirus included reports on the grab-and-go food program and the financial impact of the economic downturn. School district funding will change, resulting in a significant decline in revenue. Superintendent McDonald thanked the board for granting him emergency powers. The district is working on providing long-distance learning.

Our school board observers for the La Cañada Flintridge and Arcadia school boards reported no news this month as the boards are coping with remote teaching and learning issues.

—Elsa Pendleton, Co-chair Education Committee