The race for the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education is heating up as the deadline for candidates to submit their nomination paperwork passed on Friday, Aug. 9. The upcoming Nov. 5 general election will see PUSD’s District 2, 4, and 6 seats up for grabs. As of Friday afternoon, five candidates, including two incumbents, have thrown their hats into the ring for these three seats, according to information from the Pasadena City Clerk’s Office.
The nomination period will extend to Wednesday, Aug. 14, for any race where the current office holder does not file nomination papers. With District 4’s incumbent, Patrick Cahalan, announcing that he will not seek reelection, potential candidates for that seat technically have until next Wednesday to submit their paperwork.
The stage is set for an intriguing election season, with incumbents facing contenders, many of whom are PUSD parents with strong backgrounds in public service and education. If elected, the candidates will confront issues facing the district such as declining student enrollment, budget constraints, and poor academic outcomes.
In District 2, incumbent Jennifer Hall Lee is facing challenger Juan Carlos Perez. Lee, a filmmaker and writer, was elected to the PUSD board in 2020 and is seeking her second term. She aims to focus on student achievement, inclusive practices, and asset management. Perez, a former teacher and current marketing director, brings a diverse background and plans to address educational disparities, advocate for modernization of school facilities, and promote a holistic education.
In District 6, incumbent Tina Wu Fredericks is going head-to-head with challenger Lisa Kroese. Fredericks, an active parent volunteer and former math teacher, prioritizes academic achievement, competitive pay for teachers, and efficient management of district property. Kroese, a real estate agent and PTA Council volunteer, aims to create a stable and secure environment within PUSD that fosters academic success and meets students’ needs.
Meanwhile, District 4 presents a unique scenario with candidate Scott Harden running unopposed. Harden, a strategist and consultant, emphasizes celebrating students’ unique identities, providing necessary support for success, engaging families, fair compensation for teachers, and fostering community partnerships.
The PUSD Board of Education consists of representatives from seven geographic sub-districts, with terms for representatives in Districts 2, 4, and 6 lasting four years. The PUSD race is a plurality election, meaning the candidate with the highest number of votes is elected.
Overall, the race for the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education promises to be a competitive and impactful one, with candidates bringing diverse backgrounds and priorities to the table. Voters will have the opportunity to shape the future of education in Pasadena by choosing the candidates who best align with their vision for the district.
