The Pasadena Federal School District Board of Trustees approved staff compensation increases for the 2025–26 school year during a July 9 special session, the board announced.

Dr. Lopez, speaking to the board, presented the compensation proposal the district first shared at a June 17 budget workshop and said it “includes a raise for all employees and ensures we fulfill the state mandated compensation increases for teachers.” He told trustees the recommendation is intended to recognize district employees while remaining financially responsible.

Dr. Lopez warned that the district may close fiscal year 2024–25 with a larger deficit than initially projected. “Early indicators suggest we could possibly end with a deficit that's higher than initially projected,” Dr. Lopez said. He added that while the state allocated funds to cover required teacher raises, those funds “fall short of addressing the broad financial pressures” the district faces in areas such as special education, school safety, transportation and college, career and military readiness (CCMR). He also cited rising costs for insurance and utilities.

Board members voted in favor of the compensation proposal on a voice vote after the discussion; the chair called for the question, members answered “Aye,” and the motion carried. The meeting record shows no recorded opposing votes.

Dr. Lopez said staff are identifying offsets to mitigate the projected deficit but did not present specific dollar amounts or detailed line-item reductions at the meeting. The district did not provide figures for the total cost of the increases or projected savings during the session.

The board noted that the proposal was developed in the context of House Bill 2 and state-mandated teacher compensation increases. Trustees approved the measure and adjourned the meeting later in the evening.