Pasadena School Board Endorses Proposition 3
The board voted unanimously to support a measure that would make high-income tax rates permanent.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Administration
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Should states make temporary income tax increases on high-income earners permanent to fund local schools?
The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education voted 7-0 to endorse Proposition 3, a statewide measure aimed at securing long-term education funding. The proposal seeks to permanently maintain state income tax rates for high earners that are currently set to expire in 2031.
Why it matters
The district aims to safeguard millions in annual revenue from the state Education Protection Account. Without this measure, officials estimate a potential annual budget loss of $27 million to $34.5 million once current tax rates sunset.
Proposition 3 applies to income above approximately $371,000 for single filers and $742,000 for joint filers, with state analysts projecting annual revenues between $5 billion and $15 billion. Schools and community colleges are slated to receive 40 percent of these funds.
The players
Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education
This local governing body is responsible for setting policy and overseeing the budget for public schools within Pasadena.
The details
The Education Protection Account relies on these higher tax rates to fund public education across California. District officials emphasize that funding formulas are currently tied to fluctuating capital gains tax collections, which this measure aims to stabilize.
Timeline
The Board of Education voted to endorse the measure on October 22, 2026.
Statewide voting on Proposition 3 concludes on November 3, 2026.
Current state high-income tax rates are scheduled to expire in 2031.
Culture Shift
The school board's endorsement reflects a broader trend of local educational institutions actively campaigning for statewide fiscal measures to avoid future budget cliffs. This strategy highlights the growing reliance of districts on specific, earmarked state income tax streams to maintain their operational viability.
The potential loss of $27 million to $34.5 million in annual revenue could significantly constrain the school district's future operating budget. Residents should consider how the passage or failure of Proposition 3 on November 3 will impact local school funding and resources.
The takeaway
The district is positioning itself to prevent a major funding shortfall that would otherwise occur when current tax laws expire in 2031. Voters will ultimately decide whether to lock in these high-income tax rates to support schools through the next decade.
Further reading
For more on how local policies impact schools, visit the Pasadena Administration section.
Live Poll
Should states make temporary income tax increases on high-income earners permanent to fund local schools?
