Guest Opinion | Yarma Velázquez: Measures EE and R Are a Vote for Our Students and Our Community

Public education nationwide has suffered from underfunding for decades, often due to policies that, whether intentional or not, have deprived students of the resources they need. This defunding impacts not just education—it affects the health of our democracy. When public education is unsupported, we risk creating a generation less equipped to participate thoughtfully in civic life. Although federal funding contributes about 10% of K-12 support, most of the funding still comes from state and local sources.

Historically, California’s public schools relied on local property taxes, leading to disparities between wealthy and lower-income districts. This inequality was challenged in Serrano v. Priest (1971), after which the state capped per-student funding and shifted the responsibility for school funding to state government following Proposition 13 in 1978. Proposition 98 later established minimum state funding for K-12 schools, and the 2013 Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) further allocated resources to support high-need students, empowering districts to make spending decisions that address local needs. Decades of research confirm that increased funding boosts student outcomes, including higher academic achievement, graduation rates, and long-term opportunities like college attendance and career earnings.

Measures EE and R represent critical steps to support our schools. Measure EE, at just $90 per parcel per year for eight years, addresses the need for quality programs and fair teacher compensation. Measure R funds the physical improvements needed in our school buildings. Strong, well-maintained facilities are key to fostering an environment that promotes curiosity, safety, and engagement.

Over the past year, we’ve made significant strides toward our ambitious goals, implementing a new district wide curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, rethinking our evaluation processes to focus on holistic growth, and investing in stronger community relations and parent education programs. This updated curriculum prepares students for a changing world, while our reimagined evaluations foster a culture of continuous improvement, supporting both teachers and students in exploring their full potential. By prioritizing partnerships with parents and the community, we’ve strengthened the support network around our students, extending learning beyond the classroom. Together, these initiatives put us on a track of innovation and accountability, as we embrace new technologies and teaching methods while remaining committed to the high standards that drive our success. Investing in our schools through Measures EE and R is an investment in Pasadena’s future, ensuring every child has a strong foundation for success.

Pasadena’s civic engagement and community generosity inspire a shared commitment to growth and support. I envision a Pasadena where every child has access to safe, well-resourced schools. My commitment extends to continued partnerships with city departments, libraries, and community organizations, all dedicated to supporting our students.

I voted YES on Measures EE and R and encourage you to do the same. Together, we can restore and reinvest in our schools, building a future we can all be proud of.

Yarma Velázquez, PhD is the PUSD Board Trustee in District 7, is a member of the PUSD Board of Education, but is speaking solely as an individual member of the Board.