Guest Opinion | Geoff Albert: A Vote for Measures EE and R is a Vote for Our Children’s Future

At Collaborate PASadena, we are dedicated to eliminating disparities in outcomes for children by partnering with the community and advocating for equity. As we look to the November ballot, we face choices that will significantly impact the future of education in Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre.

Pasadena Unified School District has placed two important measures on the ballot: Measure EE, a parcel tax to fund educational programs, and Measure R, a bond measure for repairing and upgrading our schools. Both of these initiatives are essential to providing students with modern learning environments, better technology, and the support of qualified educators, ensuring that all students have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

The Importance of Measure EE

Passage of Measure EE will be particularly impactful for PUSD because of the increased needs of the district. At $90 per parcel per year for 8 years, it will expand programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM), enhance career and technical education programs, and fairly compensate teachers and staff. These funds are essential to maintain and improve educational quality across the district, particularly for students who have historically lacked access to such resources.

Measure EE will help close gaps by ensuring that all schools have the tools needed to provide high-quality education. This measure represents a step toward greater equity in PUSD schools, allowing every student a fair shot at success.

Why Measure R is Essential

Measure R addresses the critical infrastructure needs of district schools, providing $900 million to repair deteriorating roofs, replace outdated electrical systems, and modernize classrooms and labs. These updates are vital to creating safe and modern learning environments that reflect the needs of today’s students.

For too long, many schools in Pasadena Unified have struggled with inadequate facilities, which has directly impacted student achievement. Measure R will help level the playing field by ensuring that all students, regardless of where they live, have access to well-maintained, updated school environments that support their learning and growth.

Investing in Our Community’s Future

At Collaborate PASadena, we believe that when the community invests in its schools, it invests in its future. Measures EE and R are opportunities to make that investment, to give every child the chance to thrive in a safe, enriching, and modern educational environment. These measures also represent a commitment to fairness and opportunity, ensuring that resources are distributed in a way that benefits all students.

By voting YES on Measures EE and R, we can address longstanding challenges in our schools and set the stage for a brighter future. These measures will help maintain the progress PUSD has made in recent years and ensure that our children, teachers, and staff have the support they need.

We urge you to join us in voting YES on Measures EE and R this November. Together, we can build a better future for all our children and our community.

Geoff Albert , Executive Director
Collaborate PASadena

About Collaborate PASadena

Based on a Collective Impact model, Collaborate PASadena is a supportive framework made up of individuals, organizations, and businesses in the western San Gabriel Valley dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. Our vision is for every child of Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre to grow up in a safe, stable, and supportive environment that prepares them for success in school and life, and its mission is to eliminate disparities in outcomes for children by partnering with the community and advocating to reduce structural racism and systemic inequities.