Statement on Education

The Pasadena Unified School District is a majority Latino serving district 61 percent of our current Latino students. Currently, there is no Latino presence on the board of education and it is my hope that the current vacancy will be filled by a member of the Latino community. As an African American, I understand the importance of representative democracy and the reference of authority in communication with constituents. While we are all responsible and attempt to be responsive to all members of our district, I do understand that it is important to see someone of your background who shares some of your life experiences in a policy making position.

African Americans are very well represented at the board level with the recent addition of Tyron Hampton, Jr. to the PUSD board, occupying the seat serving District 3. Tyron also joins me in a leadership role for the PUSD Board. For the first time in my memory, there is an African American President and Vice President on the Board. Tyron is a product of PUSD and his presence as a board member represents an important generational shift for the district. Like Councilmember and Vice Mayor, Jacque Robinson, he is a product of the "Eddie Newman Era" at John Muir High School. No high school in our district, public or private, has produced more civically engaged adults. It is quite an achievement, and I know Dr. Newman is proud of her graduates and follow their achievements closely.

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