About Measure O 2020

Measure O Ballot Language

Approval of Measure O ("Measure") authorized the Board of Education ("Board") of the Pasadena Unified School District ("District"), which placed the Measure on the ballot by Resolution No. 2575, to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $516,300,000.

Proceeds from the sale of the bonds authorized by the Measure shall be used only for the purposes specified in the Measure, including, but not limited to, removing asbestos and lead paint; repairing and replacing bathrooms, roofs, and electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; providing safe drinking water; improving fire safety and security systems; increasing accessibility for students with disabilities; and constructing and renovating classrooms, restrooms, offices, and facilities; upgrading computer and science labs. Bond proceeds may not be expended on teacher and administrator salaries and other operating expenses.

The Board shall cause independent performance and financial audits to be conducted annually to ensure that bond proceeds are spent only for projects identified in the Measure. The Board has appointed an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (COC) in compliance with Education Code section 15278. The District shall create an account into which proceeds of the bond shall be deposited and shall comply with the reporting requirements of Government Code section 53410.

The bonds shall not exceed the maximum interest rate as allowed by law. According to the District's Tax Rate Statement. the best estimate of the average tax rate required to fund the bond issue, based on assessed valuations available when the District filed the statement, is $37.18 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. The best estimate of the highest tax rate required to fund the bonds, based on assessed valuations available when the District filed the statement, is $45 per $100,000 of assessed valuation and it is estimated to start in fiscal year 2027-2028. The final fiscal year in which the tax to be levied to fund this bond is anticipated to be fiscal year 2048-2049. The estimated total debt service, including principal and interest, is approximately $798,100,000.

Smart. The COVID-19 crisis makes clear that our schools must have the best available technology to support teacher and student success. Measure O provides critical funds for exactly that - creating, maintaining and continually upgrading cutting-edge software, hardware and supporting infrastructure, plus high-quality labs and other facilities to support robust Pasadena Unified School District programs and curricula.

Safe. Many Pasadena Unified School District buildings are well-designed, well-built, historic and beautiful, with some up to 100 years old. Keeping them safe and functional requires continual updating. Measure O provides the funds to do that.

Sustainable. Measure O also provides funds to install solar power, increase building efficiency, and smart water use for landscaping – helping to save the environment and shifting precious dollars to the classroom.

Successful. Graduates must be ready for success in this uncertain, changing world. Measure O allows continued creation and maintenance of up-to-date facilities that support student success, including infrastructure for technology; visual and performing arts; athletics; job skill-building spaces; open labs for robotics, coding, 3D printing and similar activities; classrooms that meet evolving 21st century standards and more.