PUSD Announces New Principals for Don Benito and Jackson

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) announces two district educators who were promoted to principal!

Veronica Villagrana is the new principal of Mary W. Jackson STEAM Multilingual Magnet Elementary. Ms. Villagrana has served as assistant principal at Willard and Sierra Madre Elementary for the past two years. Before that, she was a Teacher on Special Assignment/Instructional EL Coach for five years. She began her career as a classroom teacher at Altadena Elementary School. She replaces Mrs. Rita Exposito, who retired after a 35+ year career as an educator.

John Maynard is the new principal of Don Benito Fundamental Elementary. He has served in PUSD for 24 years as a teacher, Behavioral Response to Intervention Coach, and assistant principal at Altadena Elementary, Eliot Middle School, and McKinley K-8. Most recently, he has served as assistant principal at Altadena/Eliot Arts Magnets, overseeing day-to-day operations at the elementary site. He replaces Dr. Merle Bugarin who is returning to serve English Learners at the district level.

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