PUSD Reworks Administrative Structure Ahead of New School Year

With Pasadena Unified School District students preparing to return to classrooms next month, the district has announced a series of changes to its central office reporting structure aimed at providing “greater consistency, coherence, and customer service for our schools, students, families and employees,” according to Superintendent Brian McDonald.

 McDonald announced the changes, along with new personnel appointments to support the plan, in a letter issued to district families.

“With the social-emotional wellbeing of our students and staff as the guiding force, these changes position our district for a healthy start to the new school year,” McDonald said.

“Departments and services that have direct contact with students and their academic and social-emotional wellbeing will go to the Academics Division led by Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Elizabeth Blanco,” he said.

Beyond her expertise in education, “Dr. Blanco has a wealth of experience in student support and family engagement,” McDonald said. “Dr. Blanco has the capacity and skills to lead and support this coherent team designed to serve the whole child and their families.”

PUSD departments that will report to the Academic Division include TK through 12th grade instruction; early childhood education; Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development; the Language Assessment Development Department; Arts Education and GATE; Student Wellness and Support Services; LEARNs; Enrollment, Permits and Records; Family Engagement; Special Projects State and Federal Programs; and the College and Career Center.

As part of the districtwide shakeup, Assistant Superintendent Julianne Reynoso will take charge of the Department of Student Wellness and Support Services.

“One of her many passions is student wellness and trauma-informed care,” according to McDonald. “In past years, she supervised the District’s Health Department and developed staff wellness programs with the director.”

Assistant Superintendent Helen Hill, who leads the PUSD’s Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development Department, will also take charge of the district’s College and Career Center, LEARNs program and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative.

“A 22-year veteran of PUSD, she has led curriculum and professional development at the district level since 2010, including building the capacity of instructional coaches to ensure implementation of PUSD’s instructional framework for standards-based and student-driven instruction,” according to the superintendent.

PUSD Office of Special Projects and Categorical Programs Interim Coordinator David Rennie will head up the Department of Family Engagement and the Family Resource Center, while Coordinator of Enrollment, Permits and Student Records Trudell Skinner will become Senior Director of TK-12 Schools.

Shannon Mumolo will serve as Coordinator of the Office of Enrollment.

“The District’s Executive Leadership Team and I are committed to focusing on customer service, continuous improvement, and the provision of high-quality services to staff, schools and the community,” McDonald said. “With these changes in place, we are positioned for a successful new school year.”