South Pasadena : Poll on Taxes for School

Searching for ways to solve the school district’s financial problems, a 22-member citizens panel this month will conduct a poll of residents about their attitudes regarding new taxes.

The Financial Strategy Planning Committee will employ the firm of Fairbank, Bregman & Maullin, with offices in Santa Monica and San Francisco, to conduct the telephone survey, which will be paid for from private fund-raising activities, a spokesman said.

The 5-school district, which recently agreed to a 10% raise in teachers’ salaries, was forced to eliminate $750,000 in budget items to close a budget gap for the school year. Greater budget shortfalls are expected next year. The panel, which was established last month by the school board, has discussed asking voters for a special parcel tax to increase the school budget. It has also reportedly considered a bond issue for capital expenses, which would require voter approval.