Tina Fredericks and Lisa Kroese: Contrasting Leadership Styles and Priorities

GUEST OPINION

Pasadena Unified School District Boardroom (Photo – Staff)

In the District 6 race for the Pasadena Unified Board of Education, challenger Lisa Kroese is running against incumbent Tina Fredericks.

By Maryann Young

Tina Fredericks

School Board Member Tina Fredericks recently expressed dissatisfaction with her treatment by the Pasadena City Council on July 8th.  At the meeting, she advocated for term limits and campaign contribution limits for city officials. When Mayor Gordo asked if PUSD had similar limits, Fredericks had to concede they did not.

She later claimed the exchange was disrespectful, discrediting, and dismissive of her, stating she would never treat city council members that way. This complaint is surprising given her history. Ms. Fredericks had to issue a public apology for disrespectful and inaccurate remarks directed at Retired Superintendent Dr. McDonald during a PUSD board meeting. When Dr. McDonald politely asked to address her allegations, Fredericks abruptly shut him down. This pattern of indignant behavior raises questions about her judgment and professionalism and sets a bad example for our kids.

Tina Fredericks has struggled to transition from an outspoken community activist to an effective and diplomatic PUSD board member. Throughout her four-year term, she has shown a penchant for dramatic distractions and conflicts. Her tenure includes a lawsuit against PUSD over a perceived limitation of her freedom of speech, diverting already limited resources from students to PUSD’s legal counsel. This lawsuit highlights her willingness to waste time, money, and energy on personal grievances rather than focusing on student needs.

Lisa Kroese

In contrast, Lisa Kroese, a fellow PUSD parent and PTA volunteer, is someone who has the experience and ability to focus on her role without seeking attention or causing conflict. Having known Ms. Kroese as a fellow parent, I believe she will put students first rather than seeking attention and stepping on others’ toes. If Kroese wants to advocate for reforms, she won’t hypocritically lecture other officials before reforming the Board she serves on. She will deliver any questions about public policy carefully, rather than by grandstanding and jeopardizing relationships with community stakeholders during public comments. She has proven that more progress can be made through facts, careful research, and a kind but firm demeanor than through disruptive hysterics. Kroese knows the power of staying in her lane and adopting a cooperative and collaborative approach with others.

Fredericks no show until election season

Attendance and engagement in school events are another area of contrast. In District 6, Fredericks was notably absent from events at Don Benito until she faced electoral competition from Don Benito mom, Lisa Kroese. Now that Fredericks has begun showing up, she seems more interested in seeking attention for herself than in putting the spotlight on our students. For example, her appearance at Don Benito’s 5th-grade graduation became a campaign photo op with her holding graduating students and posing for photos. Many parents viewed this as self-serving and unwelcome. Kids did not like being locked in place by a total stranger. When Kroese attends events as a PUSD parent, a Don Benito PTA member, and a PUSD PTA Executive Committee Member, she understands that kids deserve respectful boundaries and that the attention belongs on students, not on herself.

Kroese’s student-focused approach

Kroese embodies an inclusive and student-focused approach. Her background working for popular and accessible elected officials has equipped her with the qualities of a true public servant who listens and prioritizes the community’s needs. Kroese’s interactions as a board member will be characterized by respect and a genuine commitment to what is best and fair for all students and all schools. As a stellar volunteer and community advocate, Kroese unites families and the community with her actions and is clear in both her communication and execution.

Ms. Kroese’s leadership promises transparency, accountability, and a genuine focus on students’ best interests, making her the better choice for the PUSD board. In contrast, Fredericks’ tenure has been marked by controversy and a lack of professionalism. Her actions have often been more about self-promotion than genuine service to the community.

I support Lisa Kroese for PUSD District 6 because we need a fresh start with a representative dedicated to prioritizing students. Choosing leaders who put service and accountability over personal activism will benefit our students, our teachers, and our community. Kroese’s respectful approach will bring much-needed positive change to PUSD.

Maryann Young is a District 6 PUSD parent and volunteers for PTA and Annual  Fund at Don Benito.  

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