Responses to Questions from Pasadena Independent

By Susan Kane

The Pasadena Independent posed the following questions to each candidate. My responses are shown.

I went to college at Stanford University and obtained a Ph.D. in Biology from Johns Hopkins University. I run a cancer research lab at City of Hope Medical Center and I'm Associate Director of Research at City of Hope. I have volunteered in Pasadena-area schools for many years, having helped train teachers and develop curriculum for PUSD's science program and having served as a Trustee at Alverno High School in Sierra Madre. I have served for 4 years on the Board of Education and am currently Vice President of the Board.

2. What experience or talent most qualifies you for the office you seek?

I bring four years on the board with a proven track record of advocating for change and demanding excellence. I bring my experience as a professional scientist and academic + I know what it takes, academically, to be successful in a competitive profession.

3. What are the most challenging issues facing the Pasadena Unified School District?

Our greatest educational challenge is improving academic performance and achievement for all students. We have too large a gap between our highest and lowest achievers and the students most harmed are our low-income students and non-English speakers. Our greatest administrative challenge is our budget, not just dealing with a dwindling supply of money from the state and federal governments but also aligning our spending with our priorities and distributing our resources equitably to areas of greatest need.

4. What issues will you focus on if elected? Explain how you will address those issues and work to resolved them.

Science. I am spearheading a community-wide Science Initiative bringing science professionals together with science educators to create a world-class K-12 science program.

Achievement Gap. I will advocate for full implementation of our Master Plan for English learners and also for focusing on the learning and support needs of low-income students.

Middle Schools. We must focus on middle school curriculum and instruction so that students can build on their elementary school successes and be prepared for productive high school careers and be competitive in pursuing their post-graduation goals.

Budget. I will continue pursuing a budget process that strives for equitable distribution of resources to the classroom.

Teacher Involvement. I want to enhance the role of teachers in district activities by holding regular teacher summits and including teacher-leaders on teams to review successes, remedy failures, and disseminate best practices throughout the district.

5. How will you address the school district's building needs?

We are nearing the end of the Measure Y facilities renovation project. With the anticipated sale of property near PHS, we will substantially completed work on all eligible campuses. We should set aside some of those property dollars for ongoing maintenance and additional work in support of Measure Y. I favor building a new school in Northwest Pasadena to accommodate our highest density of students closer to home. We have earmarked current and future developer fees to fund that school, but we will need additional revenue for this project -- from community partners, financing, or future state or local bonds.