Guest Opinion | Quinn Baker: A Case for Change in PUSD District 2

As a concerned District 2 parent and active community member of the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) community, I believe it’s time for a change on the PUSD School Board — and I fully support Juan Carlos Perez as the challenger for the District 2 seat. I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the actions, decisions, and responses (or lack thereof) of our District 2 board representative, Jennifer Hall Lee. Throughout her time on the PUSD board, I’ve become concerned by her leadership and approach to solving some of the most critical issues in our schools. 

Current Reality 

As a parent of two children in the district and someone who looks at the actual performance data to tell a story— specifically literacy and math scores — and supports a candidate like Juan Carlos, who continually brings the conversation back to data, I see the reality of many data points suggesting that we’re struggling to provide students with the foundational skills they need to succeed in reading, writing, and math. One of my main concerns with the incumbent’s leadership is her apparent disconnect from the actual state of our schools. If we are a model, as the incumbent states repeatedly without providing concrete examples, it may only be for things that don’t directly impact student achievement. 

Priorities 

I want someone on our school board for our kids first, not city leaders. Not being tied to the political environment, Juan Carlos doesn’t seem to have an affinity to bend to other politicians, and, in my conversations with him, he consistently returns conversations to educational opportunities, accountability, and fiscal transparency. A recent decision by the incumbent regarding the temporary location for Longfellow students during construction seemed more like an effort to please people in power rather than make the tough decisions needed to support our district. 

Support From Our Teachers? 

Juan Carlos has many endorsements from current and former PUSD parents, advocates, teachers and community members, all of whom live in PUSD and have taken the time to understand the need for a change like this. While the PUSD Teachers Union did not endorse any candidate in District 2, a glaring concern is that they chose not to endorse Jennifer Hall Lee for re-election. The professionals interacting with our students daily and understanding their educational needs best have withheld their endorsement, which speaks volumes. It raises serious questions about whether the incumbent’s priorities align with the reality of what our students and teachers need to thrive or more of the other politicians in the state with who she has a great relationship. 

A Need for Change 

At this point, it’s clear that District 2 needs a new representative who will truly put students first and prioritize meaningful action over empty words. Juan Carlos Pérez is that candidate. He brings a fresh perspective, a deep commitment to our schools, and a willingness to make tough decisions for the betterment of our students and community. Unlike the incumbent, Juan Carlos is deeply connected to the financial realities of our district, proposes transparency and accountability for district leadership, and is focused on improving student outcomes in literacy, math, and beyond. 

With declining enrollment, academic struggles, and a need for authentic leadership, we can no longer afford to maintain the status quo. I urge my fellow District 2 parents and community members to support Juan Carlos Pérez for the PUSD School Board. It’s time for a change that puts our students first.

Quinn B. Baker
Pasadena