1. Discussion regarding implementation of Measure J
City Council item 14
December 10, 2018

2. Measures I & J November 6th Pasadena voters approved Measures I & J
Measure I – ¾ cent sales (use) tax to maintain essential services/reinvest in critical infrastructure
Approval rate: 68.74%
Measure J - advisory measure regarding use of 1/3 Measure I proceeds for public schools
Approval rate: 72.05%

3. Measure J – ballot language
ADVISORY VOTE ONLY: If Pasadena voters approve a local sales tax measure, should the City use 2/3rds of the measure’s annual revenue to maintain essential City of Pasadena services such as fire, police, paramedics, emergency service/response times; keep fire stations open; improve neighborhood and school safety; repair streets/sidewalks; address homelessness; maintain after-school programs/senior services; with the remaining 1/3rd of the measure’s revenue going to support Pasadena Public Schools?*
*emphasis added

4. November 19th Discussion
Focused largely on PUSD’s immediate budget challenge and potential loss of local control
Meeting 3% reserve requirement for school year
Asked Council to consider whether immediate action should be taken
Funding agreement acceptable to L.A. County Office of Education covering school year
Raised a number of questions
Focused mainly on the immediate budget issue

5. Current status
PUSD leadership is confident of meeting LACOE requirements
Additional staffing reductions identified
Maintenance of 3% reserve for school year
No loss of local control
Immediate Council action not necessary
Provides time to consider best approach to a unique opportunity

6. Considerations
Both Measure I and Measure J should be thought of as general revenue
To be used for a variety of municipal and school district purposes
Intended to solve similar problem for each agency; specifically, lack of funding to maintain services
PUSD should be the focus of Measure J
The City has a compelling interest in the success of its local school district
No such nexus exists as it relates to area charter schools

7. Considerations
The City Charter sets forth the duties and responsibilities of City Council and the School Board
Clear roles and responsibilities
Accountable to voters
Measure J can further partnership between the City and PUSD
Consider establishing a standing committee of both bodies
Monitor District progress towards financial stability
Help with repurposing District assets
Provides for greater transparency and accountability

8. Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council form an ad hoc committee with members of the Board of Education to develop and present to the City Council within 60 days parameters for the implementation of Measure J
Committee would be subject to the Brown Act
Supported by City Manager and Superintendent