Pasadena Unified Superintendent Honored with Distinguished Educator Award

Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Brian McDonald will be honored at the Cal State LA Charter College of Education’s 27th Annual Distinguished Educators Award Dinner Friday, November 4, in the Cal State LA Golden Eagle Ballroom. The 27th Annual Distinguished Educators Award Dinner honors educators who demonstrate excellence and a high level of commitment, and who have made significant contributions to the community.

“He is passionate about ensuring that every single child who graduates from the district is prepared for college and careers,”said Board of Education President Kim Kenne, speaking on behalf of her fellow board members.

Dr. McDonald is being honored for outstanding leadership and service as superintendent and chief executive of the 17,000-student district serving the communities of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre.

Under his leadership, Pasadena Unified has developed partnerships with world-class organizations such as JPL, Caltech, the Tournament of Roses, and the Pasadena Educational Foundation that are bringing unique and innovative educational opportunities to students.

Dr. McDonald spearheaded the district’s investment in Collaborate PASadena, which is now a multi-jurisdictional initiative intended to ensure all students and families thrive.

Before becoming superintendent in 2015, Dr. McDonald spent three years as the district’s Chief Academic Officer. During this period, the district developed a new graduate profile, and ushered in innovative academic programs that have led to stabilized enrollment. In the last year, he led the development of the district’s five-year educational master plan. With a surge of confidence and energy, PUSD today is steadily increasing access, equity and excellence in its schools.

The Charter College of Education’s annual Distinguished Educators Award Dinner salutes the work of exceptional educators whose career contributions have made lasting change and are a reflection of the College’s historic mission. The awards dinner is one of Los Angeles County’s most highly regarded professional achievement events. The dinner is hosted by Friends of the Charter College of Education, which was founded in 1978 to support the College of Education at California State University, Los Angeles.