Pasadena, CA — Schools across Pasadena Unified School District have enhanced campus safety with the installation of state-of-the-art, front-entry security systems, funded by Measure O, underscoring the District’s commitment to the safety and well-being of students and staff.

To date, front-entry security systems have been installed at nine locations, including Franklin, Sierra Madre, Washington, and Willard elementary schools; Eliot Arts Magnet Academy; McKinley K-8 School; Wilson Middle School; and John Muir and Rose City high schools, with plans to complete installations at all District sites.

“These upgrades are part of a comprehensive approach to providing safe and secure learning environments across Pasadena Unified,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco said. “They reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring every student and staff member feels safe and supported while at school.”

The system functions like a doorbell, allowing office personnel to see and communicate with individuals at the front door through live video and audio. Staff can then remotely grant access without leaving their desks, streamlining operations and enhancing security.

“We have wanted this capability for a long time,” John Muir High principal Dr. Lawton Gray III said. “It’s a great feature that not only increases safety but is also incredibly helpful for staff, who no longer need to interrupt their tasks to open the door for visitors.”

As part of Pasadena Unified’s commitment to campus safety, locksets have been replaced at 23 locations, with the remaining replacements set for completion in the coming weeks. Additionally, 13 campuses will receive upgraded surveillance cameras to strengthen security measures, including John Muir High.

“In today’s society, these features are essential,” Gray said. “They give students, staff, and the community a greater sense of security, and demonstrate that safety remains the school’s and District’s top priority.”

John Muir High is scheduled to receive even more facility upgrades through Measure O in the coming year. Plans include a new 40-meter pool with a scoreboard, shaded seating, and lighting; extensive gym complex upgrades, featuring air conditioning, renovated locker rooms, and new dance and pep rooms; modernized field team rooms; and updated restrooms across the campus. Construction is expected to break ground in June 2025, with completion anticipated in September 2026.

“Good facilities are key to creating a safe and welcoming environment for students,” Gray said. “They help support learning and extracurricular activities but also help us attract new families and students. Our students deserve the best.”

Measure O was passed in November 2020, paving the way for investments in security and facilities that continue to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

PUSD_SAFETY1: John Muir High School has enhanced campus safety with the installation of a state-of-the-art, front-entry security system, funded by Measure O, underscoring the District’s commitment to student and staff safety.

PUSD_SAFETY2: Pasadena Unified School District is enhancing security across all sites to ensure the safety and comfort of students, staff, and the community.