South Pasadena Unified School District to Hold Parcel Tax Election

SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — The South Pasadena Unified School District will hold a special election on April 12 for a parcel tax that would support local schools. The tax, known as Measure A, would impose a $288 annual tax on each parcel of land in the school district for a period of six years.

If passed, Measure A is projected to generate $1.3 million annually, which would be used to fund local schools and maintain existing programs. The funds would be used to support a variety of initiatives, including reducing class sizes, providing additional resources for teachers, and improving school safety.

Proponents of Measure A argue that the tax is necessary to ensure that local schools have the resources they need to provide students with a high-quality education. They say that without the additional funding, schools will be forced to make cuts to important programs and services, which would negatively impact the quality of education provided to students.

"We're facing a funding crisis in our schools, and Measure A is a critical step in ensuring that our students have the resources they need to succeed," said Mary Johnson, a parent of two children in the South Pasadena Unified School District. "By supporting this tax, we can ensure that our schools continue to provide a top-notch education for our children."

Opponents of Measure A argue that the tax is an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, particularly those who are already struggling financially due to the pandemic. They say that the school district should find ways to cut costs and operate more efficiently without imposing additional taxes on residents.

"I understand the need to fund our schools, but I just can't support another tax increase right now," said John Smith, a local business owner. "Many families are struggling to make ends meet, and this tax would only make things harder for them."

This is an "All Vote by Mail" election, which means that all registered voters in the South Pasadena Unified School District will receive a ballot in the mail. Ballots must be postmarked by April 12 to be counted.

The South Pasadena Unified School District serves approximately 4,800 students in South Pasadena and parts of neighboring Pasadena. The district includes five schools: three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The school district has not passed a parcel tax since 2009.