Candidate for
Board Member; Pasadena Unified School District; Seat 6

Gaylaird Christopher Candidate for Pasadena Unified School District Board Member Pasadena is an exceptional community in which to live and work; a city identified by its signature neighborhoods, cultural opportunity, beautiful traditions, outstanding shopping, dining and entertainment venues, and top-flight educational institutions. Pasadena's city government is involved and accountable, promoting advancements in business and housing, while preserving the unique beauty that belongs to the Rose City. Pasadena's neighboring communities, picturesque Sierra Madre and Altadena, share in the region's accomplishments and quality of life. Our schools can reflect and align with the character of our communities; to do so will demand a concerted effort. Born in Los Angeles, I grew up in neighboring Rosemead. I vividly remember driving along Pasadena's tree-lined streets, wishing I could live in this lovely place someday. After graduating from Rosemead High, I came closer to that dream, attending Pasadena City College and earning my AA degree in Architecture. I then attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, receiving my Bachelor's Degree in Architecture. Returning to Los Angeles, I worked with a prominent school architect there; this began my practice focus and my passion for educational facilities design. I am dedicated to creating learning environments that foster student success. My 30+ years in this profession have afforded me the opportunity to work with some of the most creative educators in our country and around the world. Collaborating with these talented professionals, we've built more than 100 new and renovated schools. My practice demands that I stay familiar with creative and innovative teaching philosophies and methodologies. I look forward to sharing this creativity and knowledge with my community, doing all I can to ensure every PUSD student has the opportunities I was given + to learn, work hard, and achieve success in a career that is your vocation. We raised three daughters with this philosophy - all educated in public schools, graduating from California State Universities. Throughout my life I have been involved in many educational, civic and professional organizations:

• ACE High School Student Mentoring Group, PUSD Students
• Member All Saints Episcopal Church, Past Co-Chair Muir Mentoring Committee
• MYPD Mentoring Program and Youth Development at Muir High School
• AIA, Committee on Architecture for Education, Past Chairman, Steering Committee
• Council of Educational Facility Planners, International, Past President-Southwest Region
• Council of Educational Facility Planners, International, Committee on Training-Southwest
• California Department of Education, School Design Implications Task Force
• California Department of Education, School Facilities Planning Division Advisory Committee
• Chamber of Commerce, Education Committee, City of Rancho Cucamonga
• California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Dean's Advisory Council
• ASBO, CASBO Southern Section Facility Committee
• City of Upland Architectural Commission, Past Chairman
• Cultural League Advocating Support of Arts
• Mt. San Antonio College, Architectural Technology Advisory Committee
• Cal Poly Pomona, College of Environmental Design Dean's Advisory Council
• California Charter School Association Member Several important questions must be answered and acted upon as PUSD moves forward. Why does the city of Pasadena have one of the highest private school attendance numbers of any California community, yet several District public schools are demonstrating notable excellence in student achievement? Why are the majority of PUSD schools still posting below-average State API scores? Why is PUSD's diversity segregated into "ethnic pockets" + a "pocketing" that does not reflect the overall diversity of the cities it serves? In this time of economic challenge, the District must plan a bold approach that keeps schools open and creates contemporary learning environments from the resources so abundantly available here. Building excitement for learning by widening the opportunities through which learning takes place, will invite parents and their children into our District - and open pathways of achievement for every student.
• The District can consider the establishment of K-8 neighborhood schools, encouraging students living within each neighborhood to come back to their local school.
• District leadership can develop and offer high quality, career/technical education programs for students throughout PUSD, taking full advantage of additional State funding currently available.
• PUSD can establish effective small learning communities at our high schools; SLC's that encourage every student to choose a favorite area of study, discover a vocation, and immerse themselves in learning activities that have real-world correlation with their higher education/career plans.
• Establish District charter schools that by their very nature are able to offer more flexible educational programs; this will multiply the resources and learning pathways available for PUSD students. PUSD has at hand some incredible community resources. Building learning partnerships with Cal Tech, PCC, JPL and the outstanding institutions, private and charter schools nearby will mobilize local resources and signal a true change in direction for our public schools.
• Strategic planning: engage the educational brain trust and civic resources available to the District, and detail a strategic plan for the future that builds in flexibility.
• Take advantage of the hundreds of community members who are eager to participate in long-term student mentorships; mentorships bring unmatched career, social and learning resources to PUSD high school students.
• Tap into the skills of supportive non-profit organizations, adding their efforts to making real improvements at every school site. As a Pasadena Unified School District Board Member, I will work diligently to see that each mentioned option is evaluated and, when approved, implemented; that the resources of our communities are gathered and invested in offering the highest quality education. That is the education each of our students deserves - an education that rewards us all with capable citizens who pursue their vocation - and serve our communities.