Interview with Kalimah Salahuddin, President of Saving Pacifica Schools

Kalimah Salahuddin, president and founder of Saving Pacifica Schools, is concerned about your kids.

In an interview with Pacifica Patch, Salahuddin freely shared her feelings and opinions about , pending budget and program cuts, and her inspiration in founding Saving Pacifica Schools.

Suzanne Scafuri: Tell me about Saving Pacifica Schools.

Kalimah Salahuddin: It all started because I was very unhappy with PSD’s Special Education program. A while ago, a lot of money from the government was given to special education programs. Many parents thought that special education took up too much of the money, and the parcel tax was supposed to level out the funds. So, I fought against it. But then, once it was brought to my attention the good it would do for the whole community, I joined in, speaking at events and rallying support for it. I didn’t want the special education parents to be the “villians”; I wanted us all to work together. So, Saving Pacifica Schools actually came out of the “rallying” atmosphere, with everyone working together.

Scafuri: So you felt frustrated at first with PSD?

Salahuddin: I wondered why people weren’t speaking up, why there wasn’t change. I started to learn about how schools are funded, and I asked myself, “Where is the outcry? Where is the rage? How come there aren’t more politicians talking about this?” Local legislature knew nothing about our problems because no one was telling them. To speak well of the district, we’ve come so far from where we were, and I couldn’t be happier with the program. Since working together on the parcel tax, now we work really, really well together.

Scafuri: PSD really depends on its parcel tax, Measure N. Why is it so important?

Salahuddin: We, the schools, live and die by the property tax. Without it, another $1 million will be cut from our budget. We had to cut teachers and increase class size last year, which was higher than we wanted. What do we want, Kindergarten classes with 30 kids?  We can educate kids, or pay for welfare and prison. This is what happens when we don’t educate our children properly.  Those against it are shortsighted, and it surprises me. For me, this vote is a reflection of the community’s commitment to the education of our children. Those against the tax have to ask themselves: Are we going to educate our kids? What are the sacrifices we are willing to make to continue public education?

Scafuri: The JUHSD second try at their parcel tax is an exciting development, since it failed in November’s election.

Salahuddin: I really hope they pass it. It costs more to fund the high schools. PSD is in bad shape, but the high school is in a worse way. I hope that people will think about the benefits of the future. We educate our future. These are our future professionals. Everybody we educate stays here and works here. You want to have an educated work force and community. We have to invest in our future.

Scafuri: The Rob Schneider Music Foundation is pulling its money from PSD’s band program. What do you think about this additional cut to schools?

Salahuddin: I am very thankful for the foundation and what they did to this point. But they shouldn’t be responsible for our program funding. To make that commitment, I knew it would have to end; it wouldn’t be possible to sustain. Music shouldn’t be seen as an extra. It should be funded by the state, but there isn’t enough outrage and not enough parents speaking up.

Scafuri: How can the community help PSD and JUHSD schools?

Salahuddin: Staying informed is essential. The Saving Pacifica School’s website has events and information meant to keep people informed about what is happening in both PSD and JUSHD schools. Volunteers are needed at most schools. “Help” is not always financial—time is important. Come to meetings. At every meeting, it’s the same people. People usually get involved when it’s too late, when there are no other options. If you write a letter now, come to the meetings now, and we can possibly head off what’s coming. 

Scafuri: Any important events coming up?

Salahuddin: March 15 is a scheduled furlough day for schools—and it is day the school districts pink slip teachers. Teachers have requested a trip to Sacramento, where we will rally at the capital building.  We hope to have as many parents, students, and staff members to come out and show we’re united against all these things are happening to us. If you make noise, they listen. If no one says anything, they won’t know. I think we can make a difference.

You can find out more about the March 15 rally on the Saving Pacifica Schools website.