Let's Continue to Reform the District Together to Make a Difference For Our Children

By Alex P. Aghajanian

Eight key issues for District-wide improvement.

Education is the number one issue facing us today. Our School Board needs individuals qualified and willing to make informed but difficult decisions. Last year, you elected me to do just that. Accountability, strategic planning, curriculum development, and community involvement are now the principles guiding the District. However, there is much more to do. I will continue to work to:

• Insist On Academic Excellence. "Raise standards" at every school. Decentralize the school district, and empower its principals. Develop a strong challenging curriculum. Hold each principal/teacher accountable for results. Continue to develop a strategic five and ten year plan for improvement in all test scores, educational outcome and facilities use and development. Raise math, reading, and science standards. Provide more resources for students and teachers. Increase parent participation. Hold parents as well as students accountable for results.

• Attract, Retain, and Develop Outstanding Teachers. Hire and retain only qualified and quality teachers. Provide additional training and resources for teachers and staff. Honor and recognize teachers for their outstanding work. Pay competitive and fair salaries to our teachers.

• Provide Responsible Fiscal Management. Allocate and maximize District resources to provide the greatest benefit to each student. Open and simplify the district budget process and reporting of financial results.

• Board Accountability. Continue to provide proven strong, effective leadership and board visibility to move the District forward. Promote communication within the community through full disclosure, positive input, and thorough feedback.

• Build Positive Relationships. Emphasize positive working relationships between parents, teachers, critics, community and government leaders to solve problems and increase resources for all students. Empower volunteer groups. Improve morale. Establish a sense of pride for the school district and community.

• Broaden Community Participation. Build partnerships with state, local, and community groups to expand District resources. Increase recreational and scholastic opportunities.

• School Safety. Zero tolerance for drugs and weapons. Enforce the discipline code. Work with local sheriffs and police departments together with the recreation department to ensure safety at all schools. Promote and develop after-school programs.

• Measure Y. Measure Y oversight, resulting from years of experience as a construction litigation attorney. Provide strict supervision of Measure Y dollars.

Professional Affiliations (partial list) California State Bar Pasadena Bar Association Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity 9th Judicial Circuit Historical Society Lake Avenue Businessmen's Association Served on Board of Directors of Five Companies Law School Board of Directors Former member Altadena Town Counsrl

Community and Civic Affiliations (partial list) PUSD Board of Education PUSD Advisory Counsel Longfellow Elementary School Site Counsel Friends of Altadena Sheriff's Station Board of Directors, Boys & Girls Clubs of Pasadena, served as its treasure for two years Little League Coach, Former Board of Directors East Altadena Little League Pasadena Tournament of Roses Youth Soccer Coach Community Fundraiser

Proven, Strong, Effective, Leadership for Our Schools