La Cañada Unified School District Names Debra Cradduck as New Superintendent
[Photo courtesy La Canada Unified School District.]
La Cañada Unified School District (LCUSD) has appointed Debra Cradduck, Ed.D., as its next superintendent, marking a historic milestone as the first district graduate to rise to the school system’s highest leadership position.
Dr. Cradduck officially assumed the role on Aug. 1, 2026, following a selection process led by the LCUSD Governing Board. District officials said the appointment concludes an extensive search and evaluation process designed to identify the district’s next educational leader.
A product of La Cañada Unified schools, Dr. Cradduck has spent 16 years serving the district in a variety of leadership and instructional roles. Her career within LCUSD began in the classroom before advancing to principal of Paradise Canyon Elementary School. Most recently, she served as associate superintendent of human resources, helping oversee personnel and district operations.
Governing Board President Caroline Anderson described Dr. Cradduck’s appointment as a significant moment for the district, citing her longstanding connection to the community, commitment to student success and record of educational leadership. The board expressed confidence that her experience and collaborative approach position her to continue advancing the district while building on the work of outgoing Superintendent Wendy Sinnette.
District leaders said Dr. Cradduck’s deep understanding of LCUSD’s schools, students and families, combined with her focus on continuous improvement, made her the board’s choice to guide the district into its next chapter.
School officials encouraged staff, families and the broader community to welcome Dr. Cradduck as she begins her tenure leading the district.
Additional information about the superintendent transition and the Governing Board’s announcement is available on the La Cañada Unified School District website.
La Cañada Unified School District (LCUSD), 4490 Cornishon Ave., La Canada, (818) 952-8300 or visit www.lcusd.net.
