A Message from PUSD Superintendent Edwin Diaz

Dear PUSD Community Members,

Once again, I would like to express my appreciation to all of the volunteers, supporters and donors to the Measure CC campaign.  Over the last several months, I’ve been moved and inspired by the level of sacrifice, support and passion demonstrated by those who gave their all to advocate for our students and our schools. 

Although the number of votes fell short of the two-thirds required for passage, a majority of community members voted to tax themselves to protect the quality of public education. 

I hope to build upon that commitment by strengthening and broadening the coalition we’ve established. 

Moving forward, I am optimistic that we can move beyond the year-to-year battle for limited state resources and develop a stable source of local funding to meet the educational needs of all PUSD students.  As we make the difficult cuts that are necessary to balance this year’s budget, I remain committed to accelerating improvements in academic achievement and identifying resources to minimize the impact of budget cuts in our classrooms. 

You may be aware that our community partners are working to sustain the positive momentum of the Measure CC campaign, and to provide assistance during these difficult times. There are several things you can do immediately to help support their efforts:

In place of the parcel tax, donate $120 or more to the Building on CC fund, which will raise money for librarians, arts and music.  The Pasadena Educational Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, will manage the fundraising effort on behalf of PUSD, and your donation will be tax-deductible.

Visit a PUSD campus to learn more about our instructional programs, and encourage others to tour our schools.

Contact schools in your neighborhood to find out how you can volunteer to help fill the gap with your time, expertise or resources.

Support efforts by local and state organizations to lower the threshold for local parcel taxes to 55 percent.

I appreciate your active support of PUSD students as you continue to volunteer, donate and advocate for our schools.  Thank you for your partnership and friendship.

Sincerely,
Edwin Diaz