PUSD Superintendent Credits Public Dialogue for Historic Funding Wins

Pasadena Unified School District was on is way to winning two significant funding measures in Tuesday’s special election, with semifinal returns as of early Thursday showing voters strongly backing a $900 million bond and supporting — just barely — an accompanying parcel tax which needs a two-thirds majority to pass.

The bond measure, known as Measure R, passed comfortably with 63.88 percent approval, receiving 43,619 yes votes against 24,662 no votes, well above the 55 percent threshold required.

As of Thursday with votes still being counted, Measure EE, the parcel tax initiative, was barely clearing its higher two-thirds requirement, garnering 67.84 percent approval with 46,793 voters supporting and 22,180 opposing the measure.

“I am pleased that we had an opportunity to dialogue with community members over the last few months about our District’s strengths and needs and the solutions to meet those needs,” PUSD Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement.

Both measures include provisions for citizen oversight committees and regular audits, with explicit guarantees that funds cannot be diverted by the state for other purposes.

“Regardless of the election’s final outcome, we remain committed to finding ways to protect the district’s educational priorities and to make the most of every single dollar residents invest in their schools,” Blanco said.

The measures include funding allocations for District employee housing initiatives, among other planned improvements pending Board of Education review.

“Schools are protected and safe spaces for all children, regardless of their circumstances,” Blanco said. “Our core values emphasize civility and respect, and we encourage empathy and respect in all interactions with each other.”

Blanco concluded that the PUSD community must continue raising the bar “for our schools and students to achieve their full potential.”

Measure R will generate $57 million annually for infrastructure improvements, including repairs to leaky roofs, electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC systems across District facilities.

Property owners will pay less than $59 per $100,000 of assessed valuation for the bond measure, while the parcel tax adds a $90 annual fee generating $5 million yearly.

The parcel tax funding, which runs for eight years, will support STEAM programs, career training, mental health services, and competitive wages for teachers and staff.

The District will also become eligible for state matching funds, enhancing the total financial impact of the voter-approved measures for facility improvements.