Pasadena City College Claims Area Survey Shows Support for Bond Measure of Up to $888 Million

 

Pasadena City College today released the results of a recently commissioned independent survey of respondents within the Pasadena Area Community College District which shows, among other findings, that among voters likely to cast a ballot in the November 2016 General Election 65 percent would vote “yes” in favor of a $888 million bond measure to fund repairs and upgrades to PCC’s facilities

The survey, conducted April 3 through 10 by the opinion research firm of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3), also identified academic and facility priorities as the college considers how best to upgrade its campuses for the future.

Respondent reported highly valuing Pasadena City College’s affordable transfer opportunities for students entering four-year university and college systems, as well as the college’s educational and job training resources for veterans.

Among other findings, respondents indicated that all classrooms and buildings should meet California earthquake standards and be upgraded to continue to prepare students for nursing, science, technology, engineering, math, and job training skills.

Further, nearly two-thirds of respondents indicated that they believe Pasadena City College is well-run and serves the community’s needs.

“I am very proud of the job our faculty and staff do, and am thrilled that the communities we serve agree that the PCC team is doing a great job,” said Rajen Vurdien, the college’s superintendent/president. “We must ensure that our students — including returning veterans and high school students — can continue to have access to excellent, affordable education when earning college credits towards a two-year degree, a certificate to improve their job skills, or transfer to a four-year institution.”

Any potential bond measure proceeds would be required to be spent locally on college projects, and by law would be subject to strict accountability requirements, independent annual financial audits, and review by a Citizens’ Oversight Committee.

A summary of the survey results is http://www.pasadena.buzz/documents/pccpay.pdf