Pasadena has long been a tale of two cities with 35-40% of the communities children attending private schools. Of the students who attend public school, the majority (65-70%) are considered lower socio-economic status (SES).    Groups like the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF), Pasadena Education Network (PEN) and Invest in PUSD Kids (IIPK) have worked tirelessly in their efforts to engage the larger Pasadena community to value and support their local public schools, regardless if ones’ own children attend private school.   Most communities have similar organizations.  Find them and support them.  It is everyone’s social responsibility to care about ALL the children in ones’ community.  This is not only compassionate but very wise.  The long term health of a community depends on having strong, vibrant public schools.

Teri Griffith ~ Interview #4 from Go Public on Vimeo.