Guest Opinion | Yarma Velázquez, Candidate PUSD District 7 Seat: Why You Should Vote For Me

I grew up in a house of educators. My parents taught me to live a life of service, a value we share. My mother studied to become a teacher and later, as a single parent, continued her education. My father was the first in his family to graduate high school. He was born in Puerto Rico but grew up in New York, where he worked for the Young Lords providing services and tutoring to black Puerto Rican children like him. He eventually moved back to Puerto Rico, where he met my mother. They pursued doctorates together, and both became professors. 

My home was always full of professors, neighbors, and students. My home was the place where everyone met to organize before a meeting and debrief after. My parents fought hard for many and always fought for what was right, even when they had personal disagreements with colleagues. Their colleagues became my aunts and uncles, their families, my cousins, and my grandparents. My parents taught in their subject area but also took their students out into organizations and public spaces to teach them about life in community. 

In my life, I have tried to live by those same principles. Both of my children attend San Rafael Elementary, where I have consistently been a room parent and volunteer. I led the creation of the edible garden for the Parent Teachers Association. I also volunteer at the K-12 level as an advisor for parent groups, ecological events, and literacy programs. I am a tenured professor at California State University, Northridge, teaching first-year and first-generation college students. As a professor, I have served on committees that work with academic budgets, student success, and equity in education- all areas that align with the duties of the board. 

I am running for school board because I believe in public education. I feel we need proactive leadership that is responsive to our community and fights for education equity, teachers, and staff. No matter what we look like or where we live, we want our neighborhood public schools to inspire imagination, cultivate critical thinking, and ensure our children can live fulfilling lives. The board sets the direction for the administration while deferring to the expertise of school site staff and teachers for recommendations. I will give voice to families, teachers, and the community if elected. I will support efforts to address learning gaps, promote better communication between all stakeholders and find collaborative solutions to our pressing challenges, including utilizing campus property and providing a safe learning environment for all. 

I am uniquely qualified for the job. I am the only candidate in my race with experience in the classroom; I know the difference between a class of 20 and one of 40 students. I will be the only mother of young children on the board, the only parent helping kids with homework, and waiting with other parents during pickup. The only candidate with experience in assessment; because I believe in measurable accountability goals. 

I am proud to be endorsed by many leaders in our neighborhood, city, and state, including the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, United Teachers of Pasadena, National Women’s Political Caucus – Greater Pasadena Area, LA County Federation of Labor, the LA/OC Building and Construction Trades Council, Mayor Victor Gordo, Assemblyman Chris Holden, Congressmember Judy Chu, Councilmember Jess Rivas, PCC Trustees Steve Gibson, and Sandra Chen Lau, and former Mayor Bill Bogaard among others. I am asking and would be honored to have your vote and become the first Latina mother on the Pasadena Board of Education. 

For more information about my campaign and a full list of endorsements, go to www.yarmaVelázquez.com 

Yarma Velázquez, 
Ph.D Mother- Professor 
Candidate for Pasadena Unified Board, District 7