In today’s uncertain economic environment I can only think of one investment that is guaranteed to pay large returns and ongoing dividends over the long term.  That investment is the most unique and creative instrument ever created and yet guaranteed to give us the greatest boost to our economy and improve our quality of life.

You may ask what investment I am talking about.  Our most important investment for the future and our country is the education of our children. For this reason, I voted to put Measure TT on the ballot.  The investment will be less than $0.35 cent per day for the average household when it is fully implemented over the next 6-7 years.

As an elected Board Member, I thank you, the voter, for the privilege to see first hand how our Pasadena Unified School District is changing under the leadership of Superintendent Edwin Diaz and the new team he has assembled.  Rapid changes are occurring within our educational institution to raise expectations so both our students and our organization can operate differently than in the past.  This year is one of focusing on student achievement and supporting our teachers in the classroom by sharing best practices, coaching and increased professional development.  This is also happening for principals in new ways not ever seen across the district.

I have seen first hand how John Muir High School was transformed to provide a better education for our students.

I have seen the central office staff reorganized to  for greater efficiency and service to schools and the community.

I have seen staff leverage resources from multiple sources to begin to improve our phones, playgrounds and technology.

I have seen a frank acknowledgement of difficult issues and a management approach of problem solving and getting results consistently with a focus on the interest of students. 

Pasadena Unified School District has entered a new era of rigorous accountability and focused intent on greater return for our students.  The question for me is how can we increase the return and results?   The answer to me is to invest in education.

Invest to obtain more dollars for more highly-qualified teachers and adults in our kid's lives.

Invest so we save utility dollars by becoming more energy efficient with solar power and water and energy saving devices.

Invest in the latest technology, so our kids can compete in the rapidly changing global economy.

Invest in creating multiple pathways to college and career by providing work-based and technical education facilities around professions  in solar energy, computer animation and biotech.

Successful dividends for students require investment.  An investment in state of the art facilities to provide a quality environment for teaching and learning.

Measure TT is an investment that will not only pay off for our kids, it will provide local jobs and boost our local economy.  Another long term pay back of great schools will be increased property values and training for our youth to be productive, contributing adults that can innovate and keep us a leaders in a changing global economy.

This support is needed now.  Our children only have one first grade or one 12th grade experience.  They cannot wait for a better economic climate. They need the resources to succeed now.

For the above reasons,  I am asking you to support Measure TT today.  An investment in our youth is guaranteed to pay off.

Tom Selinske
President
Board of Education
Pasadena Unified School District
984 E. Topeka Street
Pasadena, Ca 91104
626.577.5170