PUSD Board Votes to Place Parcel Tax on May 4 Ballot

Facing the most severe reduction in funding from the State of California in its history, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education voted unanimously to place a local parcel tax on the May 4, 2010 election ballot.  Because of an 18 percent overall cut in funding to public schools in California, PUSD faces up to $23 million in cuts to its schools and programs.

“When Sacramento fails to fund our schools by more than $20 million, we must take steps to ensure that every student continues to have access to a great education,” said Board President Tom Selinske.   “The successes and milestones we’ve seen in our schools deserve stable, local funding so that we can attract and retain qualified teachers, protect college preparatory programs, keep libraries open and continue offering arts and music.”

The Quality Public Education Preservation Act of 2010 would levy a $120 tax per residential and commercial parcel each year for five years, with exemptions for low-income seniors, and raise an estimated $7.1 million annually beginning in the 2010-2011 year.   All funds would benefit PUSD schools and students.  The parcel tax requires approval by two-thirds of Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre voters.

Monies raised would be used to preserve educational opportunities that prepare local students to succeed in college and careers; continue funding academic programs in advanced math, science, technology, music and art; keep school libraries open, and lessen the impact of state budget cuts.

The measure includes two accountability provisions:  an independent community oversight committee; and an annual independent audit that reports the monies collected and expended each year.

The parcel tax was one of the recommendations of PUSD’s 2008-2009 Budget Advisory Committee, which helped set the District’s funding priorities as the budget situation in Sacramento became increasingly uncertain.

“More of our schools have scored above 800 points on the Academic Performance Index than ever before, and our focus must remain on preserving those gains,” said Superintendent Edwin Diaz. “A parcel tax would lessen the impact of severe budget cuts from Sacramento.”

Voters in the neighboring school districts of La Cañada, San Marino and South Pasadena have recently approved parcel taxes to protect local educational programs.