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Pasadena Unified outlines athletics plan, new 16‑team conference and funding constraints
Summary
District staff described a new Rio Pacific 16‑team conference, a roughly $1.9 million athletics budget for 2026–27 and continued reliance on one‑time and donor funds; parents and coaches urged consolidation of programs to reduce transportation and staffing inefficiencies.
Pasadena Unified staff presented an athletics update that previews a new 16‑team Rio Pacific conference and lays out next year’s proposed athletics allocations.
Athletics coordinators told trustees that every secondary campus will join a single Rio Pacific conference organized into upper, middle and lower divisions to promote competitive balance. “All of our schools for the first time next year will be part of a conference, a 16‑team conference,” staff said, and schools will play opponents within their competitive level.
The district projects about $1.9 million in athletics spending for 2026–27, down from roughly $2.3 million, with personnel and transportation accounting for about 77% of that total. Staff also noted a one‑time donation routed through the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) from a local donor (described in testimony as the Bomber/Balmer donation) that temporarily increases school allocations; trustees and the superintendent cautioned that such grants are one‑time and not a reliable recurring source.
Public commenters — coaches, parents and alumni — urged consolidation of athletic programs to reduce duplicated transportation and improve competitiveness, arguing that consolidating teams could allow more levels (freshman/JV/varsity) and better player development. Several commenters described students leaving the district to play for private programs that offer year‑round club competition.
Trustees asked about athletic‑trainer coverage and safety measures; staff said the district employs three full‑time trainers (Mir, Marshall and PHS) and is scheduling coach trainings and wet‑bulb globe monitoring and developing emergency action plans and AED placement maps for campuses.
Administration said schools will determine sport offerings based on site allocations and that the Bomber/Foundation funds will be used for targeted staffing or development rather than to create unsustainable recurring positions. Trustees asked for clearer documentation of one‑time versus ongoing funding and how donor funds will be reported.
Next steps include implementing the conference schedule, finalizing allocations for each site, scheduling trainer and coach safety training before July practices, and reporting back on any proposed changes to staffing and routine operating costs.
