Pasadena Board of Education Will Decide Not Just Future Elections Format, But How Long to Extend Their Own Terms in Office

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education is expected to decide Thursday on the format of future PUSD Board elections to make it consistent with the California Voter Participation Rights Act (CVPRA).

An Agenda Report prepared by the City Clerk showed two options being recommended for the school board’s consideration: one that would continue the current primary and general election even-years format and requiring a candidate to receive a 50-percent-plus-1 majority to get elected, and another that would transition to plurality voting, where the candidate must receive the highest number of votes to get elected, with the election to occur either on statewide primary election dates, or statewide general election dates.

The first option will need a one-time 19-month extension of the current terms of the Board of Education members. The second option will need an 11-month term extension when done on statewide primary election dates, and a 19-month extension when on statewide general election dates.

Once the format is decided, the Board will direct PUSD to prepare the appropriate language for a Charter Amendment, which will then be submitted for voter approval during the June 5 statewide primary election.

Currently, PUSD school board primary and general elections occur in March and April of odd-numbered years. A winner must receive a 50-percent plus 1 majority to get elected. If a majority winner is not determined in the primaries, a general or run-off election is held for the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes in the primary.

In December, the Board of Education adopted a resolution to formalize its intent to change the timing of future PUSD Board elections.

A joint meeting of the City Council and the PUSD Board of Education is scheduled for February 15 to finalize Charter Amendment language, and by February 26, the City Council may adopt resolutions calling for the special election for the voters to decide on the Charter Amendments.

Also on Thursday, the Board of Education is expected to adopt a resolution scheduling the observance of National African-American History Month at PUSD schools in February, a resolution establishing the Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution on January 30, and a resolution calling on the California state legislature to fund California public schools – including those of PUSD – at the national average or higher by the year 2020, and at a level equal to or above the average of the top 10 states nationally by 2025.

The Board of Education meets at the Elbie J. Hickambottom Boardroom at PUSD, 351 South Hudson Avenue in Pasadena.