Pasadena School Board Unanimously Approves $900 Million Bond and $90 Parcel Tax for November Election

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education has unanimously approved the drafting of two ballot measures for the November 2024 election: a $900 million bond and a $90 annual parcel tax. The bond measure aims to fund upgrades to aging school facilities over a period of 25 to 35 years, while the parcel tax is expected to generate $5.5 million yearly for eight years to retain staff and expand student services.

The bond tax would cost property owners $60 per $100,000 of assessed property value and requires a 55% majority for approval. The parcel tax, needing a two-thirds majority to pass, includes exemptions for seniors and would levy $90 per parcel.

A recent survey indicated strong support among Pasadena voters, with 67% in favor of the bond measure and 68% backing the parcel tax. The Board will finalize the measures’ details, such as project lists and tax duration, before a vote scheduled for May 23 to place them on the November ballot.

The Board’s decision, made during a special meeting on February 29, 2024, followed a motion to accept staff recommendations to put both measures to a vote. The parcel tax is considered a “sweet spot” below $100 that voters would likely support, and the bond represents the maximum amount the District can request.

Board President Kim Kenne called for the vote after Board members felt that previous discussions had sufficiently addressed concerns. The Board plans to continue discussions of the details of the bond and parcel tax in future meetings.