News

Dear SPHS Families,

As parents, you know important our high quality South Pasadena schools are to our community. You have probably heard about Measure S on the May 2^nd ballot to renew the locally controlled funding South Pasadena schools have relied on for over a decade. 

Election Day is one week away and public voting records show that 83% of SPUSD PARENTS HAVE NOT returned their ballots. Time is running out to vote Yes on S. Please find your ballot and mail it back TODAY!

You may have some questions about what Measure S is and what it will do for our schools. Below are some frequently asked questions about Measure S: 

What is Measure S and why is it necessary?

Measure S, on the May 2, 2023 ballot, will maintain high-quality education in South Pasadena schools and renew $3 million in annual local school funding before it expires. State funding for South Pasadena schools ranks among the lowest in California. We have supported our schools with locally controlled education funding for over a decade, which has kept our schools among the best and our property values strong. Measure S renews expiring local school parcel tax funding at the current rate to maintain existing school funding levels. 

What will Measure S do? 

Voting YES for Measure S will renew a stable local funding source, without increasing our taxes that will be used to: • Attract and retain high qualified teachers• Continue advanced programs in science, technology, engineering and math• Continue advanced programs in music, visual and performing arts• Maintain manageable class sizes

How do we know Measure S funds will be spent properly? 

Measure S will continue the fiscal accountability protections currently in place including: • All funds must stay local to support students• No funding can be taken away by the State or used for other purposes• An optional exemption continues to be available to property owners aged 65 or older• An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and annual audits ensure funds are spent properly

When can I vote Yes on S? 

Measure S will be on the May 2, 2023 ballot. All registered voters in the South Pasadena Unified School District received a ballot in the mail in early April. You must cast your ballot by mail in this election. As soon as you receive your ballot, please vote YES on S, follow the instructions to sign and date the outer envelope and place it in the mail right now. 

Thank you for your involvement in our local schools and please feel free to reach out with any additional questions you may have. 

Sincerely, 

SPHS PTSA Executive Board

Thank you to all our generous donors! We have met our goal for financial assistance for senior grad nite tickets!

May 8 to 10, 2023

Looking for volunteers and donations for Staff Appreciation Week!

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084faca722a3fa7-sphs2#

Monday, April 24, 2023 at 7:00 pm.

ZOOM: https://spusd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEuf-GtpzkiGtN_Na8nFdhpyQopDUeLffti

FORM LINK: https://forms.gle/FFg1Kk5rJKc3UiUZA

Please donate at sphstsa.net/support-our-grads to help subsidize a Grad Nite experience for a Tiger Senior!

Do you know an individual or group who…

* Has served as an example of dedication and service on behalf of our children?
* Has made an outstanding contribution to our youth, school and/or community?

If so, please assist the SPHS PTSA by suggesting nominees for the following service awards:

Certificate of Appreciation/Very Special Person Award:
Presented in recognition of an individual or group’s service on a special project or activity benefiting SPHS

Honorary Service Award:
Presented in special recognition of service given to the SPHS

Continuing Service Award:
Presented for continued, outstanding service to SPHS

Distinguished Volunteer Service Award:
Presented for significant and exceptional contributions to SPHS
(This is the most prestigious PTSA award)

Nominations are due by April 28, 2023

Submit your nominations via this Google Form.

Any questions? Email Laura Morales at serviceawards@sphsptsa.net

Watch this great video on how all our school activities are funded and why your donations matter.

Tuesday, March 13, 2023 at 7:00 pm.

Zoom link: https://effectiveschoolsolutions.zoom.us/j/94086933562#success

Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 6:30 pm.

Zoom link: https://stanford.zoom.us/J/99224045193?%0DPWD=M2ZHL3IYQZLJQVRHNTDYR3VVDLCYZZ09