PASADENA>> John Muir High School may soon offer Pasadena City College courses and allow students to earn college credits while still attending the high school and not have to pay for it.
The PUSD Board of Education passed a non-binding resolution, proposed by member Scott Phelps, that directs Superintendent Jon Gundry and his staff to work with PCC officials to bring new PCC course offerings to Muir.
The resolution passed on 6-0 vote. President Renatta Cooper abstained, saying she was opposed to it.
Board member Tom Selinske said he supported the plan as “a proud PCC graduate.”
Cooper, who is black, said, “I would say one of my reservations is that many proud PCC graduates match you demographically.”
Selinske is white.
Board member Tyron Hampton, who attended John Muir High School, is also a PCC graduate.
“I wish this was going on when I was at John Muir High School,” he said. “This is better than an AP class.”
Approximately 40 percent of PUSD high school graduates enrolled at PCC in 2013, according to data from the district.
Several community members, including representatives from the League of United Latin American Citizens, spoke in favor of the resolution.
“If you’re really going to say that you’re committed to linked learning as a board and as a school district, this is the best way to say it,” said James Smith.
Several people said the district had been talking about an initiative like this for years and urged the board to move quickly.
“I’m here to implore you, you have the tools, you have the skills, you have the talent, you have the staff, just get it done because it’s really important,” said Gerda Govine. “One of the things that’s a key piece here, is it will strengthen the relationship between PCC and PUSD.”
The PCC Board of Trustees has not yet discussed the topic, according to Phelps.
“All this resolution is saying is, ‘OK staff, you may engage in the conversation with PCC staff and develop a plan and see if it’s something that’s suitable for this board and my board’,” said PCC Trustee Berlinda Brown.
Elements of the partnership to be discussed include: dual enrollment for John Muir students at PCC; renting space to PCC at Muir for dual enrollment courses; collaboration and training between PCC and John Muir faculty and staff; and career-technical education programs for Muir students.
A meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 17 when the two boards will meet jointly.
Muir students are already enrolled in one of three certified pathways, Arts, Entertainment and Media, Business and Entrepreneurship or Engineering and Environmental Science, making the way for a linked learning educational approach, according to the resolution.
“I’ve promoted the fast-track dual enrollment at PCC for a number of years,” said Stella Murga, director of the Pasadena Youth Center. “It really boosts Muir on campus, having PCC embedded at Muir is the best thing you can do for the community.”
