My name is Ruby Kalra, and I'm running for the South Pasadena school board because I believe that every child matters, and that every child deserves to be supported by a team of responsible, caring, and committed adults.
I'm a lifelong advocate for children and public education, and a 15-year volunteer leader in South Pasadena’s public schools. My volunteer leadership highlights include president of the South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF), president of the South Pasadena Council PTA, president of the South Pasadena Middle School PTA, and the 2018 Golden Apple Award for outstanding service to South Pasadena schools.
I'm also a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric oncologist with three decades of experience, specializing in the treatment of childhood cancers and blood diseases. My medical career has been devoted to caring for children facing serious illnesses, and working with a team of professionals to ensure that each child's medical, psychosocial and other needs are met.
Additionally, I’m the mother of three boys who have attended South Pasadena schools since kindergarten, with the two oldest graduating from South Pasadena High School in 2016 and 2018, and the youngest a freshman at the high school this year. I know from personal experience navigating K-12 as a parent of three that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to educating our children. All South Pasadena students deserve to be safe and engaged at school, to have a wide variety of courses and extracurricular activities to foster their interests, and to have their needs met for personal growth and wellness.
I'm acutely aware that delivering a high-quality, public education in an ever-changing fiscal environment requires collaboration between parents, teachers, administrators, and the community at large. I'm proud of my track record of hands-on participation in that process -- from school site councils (Marengo and SPHS), to fundraising (SPEF and PTA), to bond measure and parcel tax campaigns (Measure S and Measure SP), to district oversight committees (Measure S Citizens' Oversight and LCAP Committees).
I'm also grateful and humbled by the local endorsements I've received to date, including 4 of 5 current school board members, 4 of 5 current City Council members, and hundreds of South Pasadena parents and residents who have put their trust in me to take on this challenging and important responsibility.
I’m a hard-working, team player who is committed to serving the South Pasadena community, and if elected, I will continue to be there for our schools and children.
