Concerned Parents | Letter to the Editor

(Photo – PUSD)

Dear Editor,

Your February 6th editorial, “An Unwise Decision by the Pasadena Unified Board,” was ill-informed and irresponsible. Rather than hide behind the “Editorial Board” byline, we call on you to engage in ethical and accountable journalism that considers all stakeholders in a public discussion.

It is important and appropriate for parents and caregivers to have meaningful participation in the process of school construction and modernization. Longfellow has unique needs because of the size and composition of our community. More than 84% of students are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged, and it is especially important for us to advocate on behalf of kids and families who need additional support.

The Jefferson lease renegotiation is a complex situation, but nowhere in the editorial is there a discussion of what is best for the kids in our community. When there is a debate on how best to support the public good, our children must be a priority!

Sincerely,
35 Longfellow parents and family members

Jessie Dahlstrom, parent and Longfellow PTA President
Michelle Fenske, parent
Kellee O. Backstrom, parent
Paul Backstrom, parent
Amanda Getty, parent
Cheryl C. Nocon, parent
Robert Nocon, parent
Jacqueline Browne, parent
William Powell Browne, parent
Nicole Sepulveda, parent
Raymond Encarnacion, parent
Tiffany Sepulveda, family member
Lovelyn Thiha, parent
Ryan Thiha, parent
Jordan Greer, parent
Akata Pulini, parent
Angelica Villanueva, parent
Luis Felipe Guerrero, parent
Jonathan Feenstra, parent
Jacqueline Duvall, parent
Grace Jakubowics, parent
Dina Martinez, parent
Marvin Alvarez, parent
Carolina Cauder, family member
Nick Wright, parent
Corey Churchill, parent
Diana Holland, parent
Michael Holland, parent
Zuleyma Jaramillo, parent
Samuel Jaramillo, parent
Lisa Do, parent
Jason Wall, parent
Karina Alvarez, parent
Tanya Reyes, parent
Tony Reyes, parent

O O O

Editor’s note: We thank the parents for their response to a recent editorial. We would like to clarify our professional procedure. Standard ethical practice dictates the following:

• A position is reached after a meeting of the Editorial Board.
• An editorial writer writes the editorial.
• A draft is shared with board members; input is provided, revisions are made as needed, and the piece is then published by the Editorial Board.