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The Truth Behind the Recall
Why I'm standing firm — and why it matters for our students.
I've spent more than a decade showing up for Pasadena Unified — long before I ever ran for the school board, and for the very same reason I serve now: to protect the classroom and student experience. The outside special interests want to take away your democratically elected representation in our public schools.
Don't believe the lies... I'm the same person you voted for in 2024.
FALSE: “Scott Harden has broken the trust of the families and taxpayers of District 4”
The Truth: I’ve supported a stable school district and an excellent student experience, since day one.
The recallers' charge against me is "inconsistency" — and my entire record says the opposite. Every volunteer role I've held has served one purpose: making sure our students have strong programs, stable schools, and real opportunity. I ran for the school board to stabilize PUSD precisely because declining enrollment and unreliable public funding threaten exactly that. The difficult decisions I’ve made as a school board member are not a reversal of that promise — they are how I keep it. Ignoring a deficit doesn't protect students; it invites a Los Angeles County takeover that would strip our community of local control.
I’ve dedicated the last 15 years of my life for our schools.
My wife and I have raised two daughters in PUSD schools, and I've been an involved parent since 2012. That involvement grew into leadership. I've served as President, Treasurer, Secretary, and in other executive roles for PTAs across the District, including the PTA Council that oversees all 21 of PUSD's PTAs. I served as Vice President of Leadership and Family Engagement for First District PTA, supporting more than 250 PTAs from Burbank to Pomona. You don’t get elected to roles like these without the authentic trust and support of your community.
I’ve made tough decisions where it counts.
I've done the tough work of holding PUSD accountable to its own promises — as a parent on the Don Benito School Site Council, as Chair of the District's LCAP Parent Advisory Council advocating for our most underserved students, and as a member of the Black Student & Family Taskforce working to close critical opportunity gaps. I served as project manager for the Imagine 2028 Strategic Plan, spending a full year gathering input from students, teachers, labor partners, staff, families, and all seven members of the Board.
As a Board member:
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I voted to eliminate our structural deficit to avoid LA County takeover of our schools
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I increased funding to core programs at schools while sharply decreasing central admin expenses
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I advocated for increased special education funding both in Sacramento and Washington
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I approved a community workforce agreement to keep local jobs working on modernizing our schools
FALSE: “Scott Harden has reversed course and appears to support the ‘Consolidation 2027’ plan…”
The Truth: I never supported a preconceived plan to close schools behind closed doors, and I never will.
The records prove that I never supported any plan developed by anyone. Instead, I advocated for a district transformation process not designed by Board members but by the Superintendent entrusted to do so.
FALSE: “... Scott Harden participated in private coordination and closed-door discussions regarding school consolidation…”
The Truth: I’ve conducted my public work with integrity and transparency.
Since I’ve taken office, I’ve made it a priority to be transparent and accessible to my constituents. I’ve held public forums on vital issues such as special education, district fiscal matters and student achievement. Claims of secret conspiracies irresponsibly reported in local news media without proof have manipulated public opinion. Investigations revealed that no Board activity was outside the normal conduct of fact-finding, research, compromise, and advocacy.
FALSE: “The consolidation plan could… cost PUSD $4-5 million annually through closure-related attrition”
The Truth: The estimated cost to PUSD for the recall is $2 million.
There is no evidence to back the recallers’ claim that any consolidation plan could cost the District $4-5 million. But one cost is clear: any recall special election would cost PUSD more than $2 million dollars. That’s money we desperately need to pay teachers, educate students and strengthen our schools.
FALSE: “This recall is democracy in action”
Truth: Outside special interests are running this recall, not your neighbors.
While only District 4 voters can sign this recall petition, this recall is organized, financed and supported by special vested interests outside of District 4. They want to take away your unanimously elected representation to install someone you have no choice in voting for. The way to preserve your voice is at the ballot box in just two years, in 2028.
Read my statement in response to the recall.
Still not sure? Talk to me before you sign.
Don’t be misled by outside interests. Chat with me by phone, Zoom or I can come to your front porch. Ask me your tough questions and make up your own mind.
Connect with Scott!
p 626.720.2440