South Pasadena classrooms open Wednesday, August 13, 2025, with a full slate of new leadership, strong academic momentum, policy updates, and a few fresh spaces to explore. The Board met Tuesday night, and another packed and successful years is at-hand.
New Superintendent in Action
SPUSD kicks off the year with Dr. Angela Elizondo Baxter at the helm. The Board selected Baxter in May; a summer of transition. In a welcome message to families, she highlights a 100-day engagement plan, a focus on student achievement, and fiscal stability.
Budget, funding reserves, and what it means for South Pasadena classrooms
The Board adopted the 2025–26 budget on June 24 after public hearings earlier in the month. The state-filed SACS report shows:
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$74.88M in General Fund expenditures for 2025–26
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Available reserves at 9.1% this year (projected 6.9% in 2027–28)
Those figures comfortably clear minimum requirements and reflect a positive cash position. (Background on LCAP, which ties spending to goals, is posted on the district site.) South Pasadena Unified School District
Academics: Scores and recognitions Recap
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CAASPP: In 2023–24, 82% of SPUSD students met/exceeded standards in ELA and 79% in Math—among the region’s top results.
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AP: 93% of SPHS AP test-takers earned scores of 3+ in 2023–24; participation also rose.
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State honors: Marengo and Monterey Hills were named 2025 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education, with LA County also noting both campuses.
Athletics: Tigers on a tear
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Football: SPHS captured its first outright Rio Hondo League title since the 1970s (5–0 league, 10–3 overall).
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Boys Water Polo: The Tigers won the CIF-SS Championship in November 2024 and later added a SoCal regional title in a banner year for SPHS athletics.
Campus & facilities: New year, new spaces
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“Tiger Den”: SPHS officially opens its remodeled library collaboration hub, adding flexible study areas and AV upgrades supported by SPEF and bond funds.
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Summer work across schools included new paint, HVAC, windows, electrical refreshes, plus AV upgrades at SPMS and improvements in elementary MPRs.
People news
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South Pasadena Middle School adds Assistant Principal Mike Mora (effective July 1), following service at Monterey Hills and SPHS Summer School.
Policy notes families will feel | Mobile phones top of list
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Phones & devices:
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SPHS—During instructional time, personal devices must be off and stored where the teacher designates; use is allowed at brunch, lunch, and passing periods. Consequences escalate from same-day pickup to detentions and parent pickup.
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SPMS—Phones must be off/away during the school day; lockers use is encouraged.
Districtwide policy updates on mobile devices were on the Board’s June agenda in alignment with recent California law empowering tighter limits during school hours.
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Governance & key dates
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Board of Education meetings this year began Aug. 12, then continue monthly (2nd Tuesdays). South Pasadena Unified School District
First-Week Cheat Sheet (save this)
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First day: Wed., Aug. 13, 2025. Check your school’s page for bell schedules and first-week events. South Pasadena Unified School District
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Parent tools: Aeries Parent Portal and ParentSquare are linked from school and district homepages. South Pasadena High School
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Before/After care: Extended Day Program info is on the district site. South Pasadena Unified School District
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Meals: Food & Nutrition menus and accounts via the district’s nutrition site. South Pasadena Unified School District
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Traffic & safety: The Superintendent asks families to take extra care at crosswalks and drop-offs; the City repainted school-zone markings. South Pasadena Unified School District
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Phones: Expect phone-free classrooms.
A New Year, A Refreshed Perspective.
The South Pasadena Schools head into 2025–26 with steady finances, high student performance, fresh leadership, and a few new spaces designed for connection and focus. For families and students, that translates to a first day with clear expectations, stronger supports, and plenty to be excited about.
