Nonprofit Executive Priscilla Hernandez Joins Race for Pasadena Unified Board

The field of candidates in the upcoming Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education election grew on Friday as nonprofit executive Priscilla Hernandez announced she was running for a seat in District 6.

Hernandez sought the position not in spite of challenging times ahead, but because of them, according to a statement issued by her campaign.

“I am seeking to represent the people of Pasadena and Sierra Madre on the School Board because our schools need experienced leaders who can successfully address the unprecedented educational challenges caused by COVID-19,” she said.

Hernandez serves as an executive on the Hollenbeck Police Business Council, which provides after-school programs for inner-city kids. She said she has previously served as a deputy director under then-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“As an Executive with a successful Non-Profit Organization and a former Statewide Campaign Deputy Coalition Director for Education, I have the skills to maintain the District’s focus on academic excellence while identifying innovative methods for promoting student learning,” Hernandez said.

“The road ahead for our schools will be challenging, but we can succeed by putting the needs of our students first,” she said. “Working together we must provide a learning environment that is stable, safe, inclusive and equitable.”

Hernandez said she would work to put the PUSD in the best possible financial position,as well.

“I will use my many years of experience in budgeting and resource management to maximize the District’s resources for core educational services and programs,” she said.

Hernandez grew up in Los Angeles and has lived in Pasadena for a decade, according to her campaign.

“Ms. Hernandez initiated and sponsored state legislation (California Assembly Bill 3064), which is known as “The Zacky Bill,” the statement said. “Inspired by her son’s life-threatening allergies, this progressive legislation aims to establish uniform state food allergy guidelines and best practices within local education agencies. It is designed to protect a highly vulnerable student population.”

She has served as the chair of the Pasadena Senior Commission and is the organizer for the Pasadena Preschool Fair, her campaign said.

Hernandez earned her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, according to the campaign.

“I am dedicated to serving our communities and creating a better future for all of us,” Hernandez said. “As a mother, I’ve experienced the difficulties that Covid-19 has created for our families and our children. I want to be actively involved in the effort to return students to the familiarity and security that our schools are supposed to offer.”

Hernandez is running against Tina Fredericks, Crystal Czubernat and Milena Albert.

The incumbent board member in PUSD’s District 6, Lawrence Torres, did not file nominating papers prior to the deadline.

More information on Hernandez’s campaign is available online at PriscillaForOurSchools.com.