We Get Letters: Nothing Is More Important Than the Support and Development of Our Children

Dear Pasadena Now Editor,

I am writing in support of Measures R and EE.  There is nothing more important than the support and development of our children.  They are the future of our community, our nation, our world.  They deserve every opportunity to succeed and prosper.  Equally important, our community thrives when its children are engaged, joyful, learning, and strong.

In this year’s election, we have the opportunity to make a critical investment in our children and our community.  Measures R and EE provide the money necessary to modernize, maintain, beautify, and make more environmentally sustainable the PUSD schools.  These measures also provide the means to allow more teachers to live in our community and additional funds to attract and retain high quality teachers.

It’s important to understand that the Bond Measure (R) gives the authority for PUSD to issue bonds as we move forward for capital projects over many years.  It is not itself an infusion of funds or an issuing of bonds—it simply gives authority to access this capital as needed.  Nor does it have any financial impact unless and until specific bonds are issued for specific projects.  It is a substantial authorization so that PUSD does not have to run a costly Bond campaign every time it needs to do a new and important project.  This will complete the anticipated funds necessary for the district with the monies authorized by Measure O.  All of the projects will be subject to community input and a financial oversight committee.  Measure EE for its part does what all of our surrounding communities have done for many years—provide local support for our schools for non-capital expenditures.

To the extent you hear someone say these Measures are not necessary because of overall falling enrollment, that is simply wrong.  Enrollment is NOT declining because of our schools.  Enrollment is declining because people are living longer in their homes—so there are less children in neighborhoods.  And, it is difficult for families with children to afford homes.  This is happening across California and other states as well.  PUSD has actually done a beautiful job creating programs that attract students to our schools.  Indeed, Muir High School’s enrollment has increased tremendously over recent years with outstanding leadership, teaching, programs, and community support.  Many of our schools have waiting lists for out of area students to get in.  PHS has an entire academy focused on computer programming, that was the first in the nation of its kind.  PUSD led the area in dual-immersion language schools with some of the best programs in the state.  If you have not been on a PUSD campus recently, there is so much to trumpet.  You should take a look for yourself.  You certainly should not believe the hogwash from others who haven’t been on the campuses either.  PUSD is doing some amazing things for students and families and its accomplishments are particularly notable given the poverty and challenges that many students face.

Our children deserve beautiful spaces to learn and grow.  They deserve outstanding teachers and leaders.  They deserve a community committed to their success.  It is my joy and duty to vote Yes on Measures R and EE and to strongly encourage you to do so too.  Please join me in voting Yes on Measures R and EE!

Tamerlin Godley

Pasadena