First, there is general sentiment that Pasadena remains a first-class community, with enormous social and institutional assets. Second, it was noted that the recent push to reform the governance of the School District is itself a sign that people have hope that things are improving enough that successful reform is possible. Significant reforms since then have helped build public support for the schools. While Pasadena is a great city, with remarkable resources, the quality of education could be considerably higher than it is. Test scores are too low, teacher quality could be higher, and some say children receive a substandard education, although there is much debate about the appropriate comparison districts for Pasadena.
Many parents send their children to private schools.
While many of those in private schools will never switch to public schools, some hope that improvements in the school system would increase the proportion of people in the public school system. The Board has governing authority over the District, headed by an appointed Superintendent subject to the Board's direction. The main structural issues raised concerned the ability and willingness of the Board members to exercise oversight over the actions of District officials, and the authority of the Superintendent. Some believe that the Board does not have people with management or financial experience, or with the self-confidence to challenge District administrators. It was suggested that the pool of candidates for Board positions is narrow, and does not generate Board members who might be more influential in relation to the District.