Pasadena Unified Announces School Leadership Changes for 2026-27 Academic Year

Dr. Maria Toliver (l) and Ms. Lanisha McKenzie (r). Photo courtesy PUSD

Pasadena Unified School District announced a series of leadership updates as it prepares for the 2026–27 school year. These changes, which take effect on July 1, 2026, are part of the district’s broader fiscal stabilization plan and are intended to ensure continuity while maintaining a strong focus on student success.

Dr. Maria Toliver, who has served as principal of McKinley School for the Arts for the past two years, will transition to serve as principal of Octavia E. Butler Magnet. During her tenure at McKinley, Dr. Toliver provided steady leadership and successfully supported the integration of the Eliot Arts Magnet community onto the shared campus following the Eaton Fire. With more than 25 years of experience in education, she brings a deep understanding of the district, a strong instructional background, and a proven commitment to supporting students, staff, and families through periods of transition.

Before leading McKinley, Dr. Toliver served as Director and Grant Manager of Pasadena Unified’s Expanded Learning Programs and PasadenaLEARNs since 2016. Her earlier roles include Program Coordinator III for PasadenaLEARNs, instructional coach, curriculum specialist, and elementary school teacher within the district. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, along with a master’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

The district also announced that Arian Whitley will be departing at the end of the current school year and expressed appreciation for his service and contributions.

As part of the leadership restructuring, Ms. Lanisha McKenzie, current principal of Eliot Arts Magnet, will expand her role to also serve as principal of McKinley School for the Arts. With both schools sharing a campus, this dual leadership structure is designed to strengthen alignment and provide consistent support across both communities. Despite the shared leadership, McKinley and Eliot will continue to operate as distinct schools, each maintaining its own identity and traditions.

Additionally, Jeanette Schaller, who has served as assistant principal of McKinley since July 2025, will continue in her role while expanding her responsibilities to support both McKinley and Eliot.

District leaders encourage the community to thank Dr. Toliver for her dedicated service and to welcome Ms. McKenzie and Ms. Schaller into their expanded roles. Together, this leadership team brings a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to ensuring a smooth transition while keeping students at the center of all district efforts.

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), 351 S. Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 396-3600 or visit www.pusd.us.