Board of Education to Include Charter Schools on Bond Measure

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education voted to include Pasadena Unified School District facilities occupied by charter schools in an upcoming bond measure.

In the past, the Board of Education did not include facilities occupied by charter schools on bond measures, even though those charter schools lease those facilities from the Pasadena Unified School District.

The District loses money when students leave the District for charter schools.

The Board unanimously approved drafting two ballot measures for the November election: a $900 million bond and a $90 annual parcel tax.

The bond measure would fund upgrades to aging school facilities over 25 to 35 years. The parcel tax is expected to generate $5.5 million annually 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. However, it would require a two-thirds majority to pass the parcel tax. The tax would levy $90 per parcel. Seniors would be exempt.

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.

“Rosebud Academy is not just a school, it is a hub of diverse voices, ideas and collaboration,” said Sean Brown founder of Rosebud Academy.

“Our community extends beyond the confines of our student population. We are intricately connected to several local African-American churches and other community organizations that share our vision of educational excellence and commitment to Upliftment. Rosewood Academy serves as not just an educational institution, but also a nexus for community engagement and empowerment. Inclusion in the measures strengthens these bonds and reinforces our shared commitment for the betterment of Pasadena. By extending support for charter schools, the bond measure can garner broader community backing, leading to an increased chances of its passage.”

According to a draft proposal, this money will be used to “expand programs for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM); enhance career training and college readiness courses; provide competitive wages for teachers and staff; hire counselors and mental health professionals; and expand counseling services be adopted.”

Stacy Connor, whose daughter attends Odyssey Charter School, said the Board is responsible for ensuring that all public school students have access to publicly-raised funds.

“We chose these schools because they best serve our children in their own unique ways and we are grateful to have them,” Connor said.