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The 2017 PUSD School Board Candidates Up Close and Personal
Education Feb 22, 2017
The PUSD State of Schools address will be held on Sept. 26. – Courtesy photo / Pasadena Unified School District
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Part One
By Gus Herrera
In preparation for the upcoming 2017 PUSD School Board Elections, to be held March 7, Pasadena Independent reached out to this year’s candidates and asked them to complete a five-part questionnaire. Each candidate received the same five questions. This is part one in an ongoing series.
District 1
Candidate: Rita Miller
Education: University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse, Bachelor of Science in economics; Teaching Credential-District Intern Program LAUSD; Santa Clara University – School of Law, Juris Doctor.
1. Please describe your relationship/history with the City of Pasadena:
After graduating from law school, I moved to Pasadena in 1988. I lived in Pasadena for five years. I moved back to Pasadena/Altadena in April of 2011.
2. In your opinion, what is the most significant issue affecting the PUSD?
The most significant issue affecting PUSD is the lack of students’ critical thinking as evidenced by the low test scores on the Common Core SBAC test. We need to graduate critical thinkers who are college and career ready.
I taught high school English for 10 years at an LAUSD school in the Valley. I taught the last two years at another LAUSD high school, Downtown Magnets High School (DMHS) on Temple and Beaudry in Los Angeles. Two of my daughters graduated from La Canada High School and the youngest one is currently a freshman at LCHS. (2017)
Two schools share socio-economic similarities in that over 90 percent of the students receive free or reduced lunch. Two schools share high test scores and almost all graduates are accepted into four year universities. The one school which shares both characteristics is DMHS.
| School | % on Free or reduced school lunch | ELA Not Met | ELA nearly met | ELA met | ELA exceeded | Total % NOT MET |
| MUIR –Pasadena | 81% | 29% | 28% | 28% | 15% | 57% |
| LAUSD Valley School | 90%+ | 15% | 27% | 42% | 17% | 42% |
| LAUSD-DMHS | 90%+ | 1% | 5% | 31% | 63% | 6% |
| La Canada High School | 1.2% | 2% | 6% | 22% | 70% | 8% |
*Information gathered from internet sources.
As we can discern from the above charts, the socio-economic make-up of a school does NOT impact the test scores of the school and consequently, whether or not the school is graduating students who are career and college ready.
Having taught at both of the LAUSD schools and having the experience of my children attend La Canada High School, I am in a unique position to share my insights and opinions on what works and what doesn’t work in public education.
A few thoughts on what works in a public school:
– Teacher respect from administrators and parents.
– Supportive administration.
– Teacher freedom with curriculum and texts.
– Focus on critical thinking.
– Teaching with an emphasis on Think-Discuss-Write.
– Focused professional development for teachers.
– Parent involvement with the students AT HOME.
– Reflection on failing students – question of will or skill?
As a PUSD Board Member, I will prioritize the education of our students. Test scores are indicative as to whether or not students are ready for careers and post-secondary school. We need to utilize the data to ensure students are learning and we are providing the absolutely best education possible.
3. What are the PUSD’s greatest strengths?
PUSD’s greatest strengths are the hard-working credentialed teachers.
4. What qualities distinguish you from the other candidates?
I am running for PUSD School Board to make an impact in our community. As a public school teacher for 12 years, I have the background and experience to serve the needs of the students, families and teachers of Pasadena. Having served on the Student Site Council and the Steering Committee, I understand the importance of balancing conflicting ideas which all seek the same result: educating critical thinkers who will be productive members of our community.
In addition, as a teacher, I am able to see the issues from the “inside,” namely, the classroom, where our students are learning and our teachers are teaching. I know the day to day issues that arise for the students in the classroom. I act to resolve the day to day issues of teaching a diverse group of students. I understand the day to day issues administrators face in providing a rigorous education within the confines of a public school system.
Furthermore, my law school education and experience as an attorney will be beneficial to the school board. The school board must be able to intelligently analyze contracts and provide insightful decisions on legal matters. Not only am I knowledgeable on legal issues, I have the experience of thinking critically with sound judgment to resolve conflicts that seemingly have no positive outcomes for all involved. As an attorney, during my 12 years of practice I handled over 100 cases through disposition via mediation, arbitration, settlement negotiations, or trials.
5. If elected, how will your presence contribute to the dynamic of the board?
Teachers are collaborative. We work to benefit the students, not our own agenda.
District 5
Candidate: Elizabeth Pomeroy
Education: Stanford University, Bachelor of Arts; Harvard Graduate School of Education, Master of Arts in teaching; University of California, Berkeley, Master of Arts; University of California, Los Angeles, Ph.D. (English).
1. Please describe your relationship/history with the City of Pasadena
I have lived in Pasadena for 41 years and raised my children here. I’ve served on several city commissions (recreation and parks; library) and have been a board member for Pasadena organizations such as the Pasadena Museum of History, the Sierra Club, etc. I am also active in many local groups (arts, League of Women Voters, history, etc.).
2. In your opinion, what is the most significant issue affecting PUSD?
Student achievement is our most significant responsibility, and as board members we must make decisions on the basis of putting students first. This means budget decisions, new curriculum adoptions, safety on our campuses, looking after the health and welfare of the children – all should enhance that main goal: improving the teaching and learning that are at the heart of school life. We must continue to improve student achievement.
3. What are the PUSD’s greatest strength?
Our teachers and staff, who create and lead the daily lessons and academic atmosphere; and also our great students, who are very diverse in representing many backgrounds and abilities. Their enthusiasm and accomplishments inspire us every day.
4. What qualities distinguish you from the other candidates?
I have taught English at middle school, high school, and university levels, and most recently taught for 10 years at Pasadena City College. During my seven years on the school board, I have built strong relationships with many groups that are vital to our students: the city agencies, organizations that bring to our students the arts, health care, science, internship opportunities; I have kept in close touch with all our 28 schools, visiting them and meeting with many parent groups; also I continue governance studies with many seminars given by the California School Boards Association.
5. If (re)elected, how will your presence contribute to the dynamic of the board?
I believe I have won the confidence of fellow board members and PUSD staff. I bring academic skills to the overall mix on the board. I believe fellow members look to me to represent the board well at many community events, as an ambassador for PUSD.
