From the loving family of Mr. Howard Crawford,

Dear Supporters,

Thank you to the students, families, and community of South Pasadena and beyond, who believe in recognizing the impact of educators who shape our schools and its students. This petition and effort is about advocating for a fair and transparent process for the community to follow in regards to exceptional faculty who contribute not only years of service but tangible impact within this district, like our father Mr. Crawford.

Representation and Policy Concerns
The SPUSD Board of Education has shown inconsistencies in how renaming policies are applied. Recent precedents, like the renaming of the SPHS stadium, auditorium, library, and SPMS band room, seemed to follow a clear and straightforward process, in which the same policy has existed and apparently used since 2011. Why is this case being handled differently?

Confusing references to topics 'that cannot be discussed publicly' have added unnecessary complexity to what should be a clear and equitable decision. These vague statements risk creating harmful narratives about our father and undermine the trust placed in the board’s decision-making process to represent the community at large without the external private influence of a few.

Community Voices Matter
This request has garnered overwhelming support from students, families, and residents. It’s not a family-driven effort—it’s a community-led initiative. When voices from across South Pasadena and beyond come together to advocate for recognition, it’s a testament to how deeply this issue resonates.

A Call for Action
The board has previously aligned its stated policies and the will of the community. If the current process is now suddenly too burdensome to apply to this community request, perhaps it’s time for a committee of community stakeholders to assist in these decisions.

Neighboring districts, including Alhambra, Pasadena, Glendale, and Los Angeles, have successfully recognized transformative educators through facility dedications. South Pasadena has and can continue to do the same.

How You Can Help
We need your voices to keep the pressure on. Attend an upcoming board meeting and speak up for transparency, equity, and recognition.

Upcoming SPUSD Board Meetings:

January 14, 2025
February 11, 2025
March 11, 2025
April 8, 2025
May 13, 2025
June 10, 2025
June 24, 2025

We urge the South Pasadena community, especially those with influence and have been personally impacted by our father's legacy, to show up at the upcoming board meetings with us and share this petition. Your presence and voice are crucial in challenging the board.

Please plan to arrive by 6:15pm to make a 3-minute public comment sharing why you support this effort/request to formally recognize my dad's significant community contributions at this address:

South Pasadena Unified School District
1100 El Centro Street
South Pasadena, CA 91030

P.S. Mr. Crawford has a concert coming up the December 22nd with an ensemble that he joined post-retirement. Reply to this note for information if you'd like to support!