Pasadena Unified Names New Principal at Don Benito Fundamental School

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Interim Superintendent Dr. Brian McDonald announced Monday the appointment of Linda Chang, Ed.D. as principal of Don Benito Fundamental School, pending board approval. Located in Pasadena’s Upper Hastings Ranch neighborhood, Don Benito is one of PUSD’s choice schools drawing over 600 students grades K-5 from across the district.

“I am thrilled to continue the tradition of academic excellence at Don Benito,” said Chang. “I also embrace the challenge of guiding the school through the transition to Common Core State Standards.”

Dr. Chang has been employed by PUSD for ten years. Her most recent position was as curriculum resource teacher at Willard Elementary School where she was at the forefront of an effort to deliver professional development to the staff at Willard as well as provide interventions and enrichment that can appropriately challenge all students. Previously she served as a classroom teacher at McKinley School and Burbank Elementary School. Dr. Chang was also the GATE site coordinator at Burbank and Willard and conducted data analysis at Willard to determine how to best serve students and meet their needs. Dr. Chang was a finalist for the Rotary Teacher of Excellence award in 2013 and was awarded the Phi Delta Kappa Outstanding Educator Award in 2009.

“Dr. Chang is a PUSD home grown talent who has risen through the ranks to become a principal,” said Interim Superintendent McDonald. “I know Don Benito will continue to thrive under Linda Chang with the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm she brings to the table.”

Julianne Reynoso stepped down as Don Benito principal earlier this summer to become the district’s Executive Director of Elementary Education. “Replacing a legend like former Don Benito principal Julie Reynoso is never easy, but I look forward to her mentorship to take Don Benito and PUSD from good to great,” said Chang.

Retired PUSD Principal Jill Girod has served as interim principal for the start of the school year. Dr. Chang will begin at Don Benito on September 15.

Don Benito Fundamental School, 3700 Denair Street, Pasadena, (626) 396-5870 or visit donbenito.pusd.us/pages/Don_Benito_Fundamental

For more information about PUSD, visit www.pusd.us/pages/PasadenaUSD.