SPUSD Headquarters (Photo – ©coloradoblvd.net)
The South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) School Board on Tuesday approved placing a $128 million facilities bond measure on the June 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the bond would fund upgrades, repairs, and new construction projects at district schools.
By News Desk
School board president Dr. Michele Kipke said the measure is intended to help the district maintain and improve its campuses for current and future students.
“South Pasadena Unified represents the very best of public education, grounded in outstanding teaching, student success, and community support,” Kipke said. “While much has been accomplished, prioritizing school repairs and upgrades will help us meet the needs of tomorrow’s students, including our youngest learners. The previous bond allowed us to complete critical facilities upgrades across the District, and this bond will ensure we can responsibly maintain our campuses while also investing in enhanced classrooms, safety and security, technology, performing arts spaces, athletic facilities, and other essential priorities not fully funded by the state.”
Kipke added that the measure would help the district plan proactively for the future of teaching and learning while maintaining safe and modern facilities.
A recently completed facilities master plan developed by SPUSD in partnership with SVA Architects identified several needs across the district. The plan called for safety and security improvements, maintenance for roofs and heating and cooling systems, and upgrades to buildings and school sites.
The assessment also explored the creation of new instructional spaces, modernization and preservation of the historic Anderson Auditorium at South Pasadena High School, improvements to technology infrastructure, and renovations to restrooms.
SPUSD Superintendent Dr. Angela Elizondo Baxter said the district’s facilities are already well maintained but would benefit from further improvements.
“Our existing school facilities are well-maintained and highly functional,” Baxter said. “Further refinements and improvements to instructional spaces, campus security systems, and school facilities will help address any shortcomings and prepare for the future. This initiative ensures the District has the funding it needs to make facility upgrades and maintain the high quality of education in South Pasadena.”
District officials said the facilities master plan was shaped through more than 20 meetings with district staff and education partners, during which participants discussed major needs at each campus.
SPUSD also conducted voter surveys on the importance of school facility improvements. According to the district, results showed that South Pasadena voters overwhelmingly consider maintaining and improving school quality to be very important and view repairs and upgrades as a wise long-term investment.
Current bond funding from Measure SP, approved by voters in November 2016, is expected to be fully spent this year.
Under state law in California, bond funds cannot be used for administrative or teacher salaries or other district operating expenses. Instead, the money must be dedicated to school facilities and related capital improvements.
Leave a Reply