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PUSD Cancels Ousted Town Councilman’s Award Program

The Pasadena Unified School District has abruptly canceled the Student and Teacher Awards Program created by Herbert Simmons.  The Altadena Town Council nearly held a vote to oust Simmons in December, but before the vote, he resigned.  Questioned lingered for most of Simmons’ 6 month Council member about how he gained support for the program.  It ended with Supervisor Michael Antonovich’s Office and PUSD Superintendent Edwin Diaz sending letters distancing themselves from the program.  Still, Simmons determined to keep the program going in Altadena Schools.  Now the PUSD, which includes schools in Altadena, Sierra Madre and Pasadena has discontinued the program all together.  Below are e-mails exchanged between Simmons and the principal of one of the schools Simmons selected for awards.

Altadena Student/Teacher of the Month Program

Dear Kathy,
I received this e-mail from Principal Lefler (below). I am disappointed to hear that you have made a decision to cancel a strictly volunteer program in which local businesses and the community have come together to honor Altadena’s students and teachers. This program has cost the PUSD absolutely nothing. Please cite the state or federal law, PUSD board policy, or PUSD administrative regulation that served as the basis of this decision to cancel the program.
Thank you,
Herbert

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Sharon Lefler
Date: Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 8:36 AM
Subject: Awards
To: Herbert Simmons

I want to thank you profusely from the Webster Community for your generosity in providing such positive recognition for our staff and students at our monthly awards assemblies this year.  Today I was notified by the District that we need to discontinue your awards.  Again, many thanks and good wishes to you.
Mrs. Sharon J. Lefler
Daniel Webster School


Herbert Simmons
www.Altadenans.com
“Linking Altadenans Through Technology to Make Our Community a Better and Safer Place”