SPUSD Hires New Principals for Monterey Hills Elementary School and Arroyo Vista Elementary School



Jessica Zavala (l) and Emily Blaney (r) courtesy of SPUSD

 

South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) has hired Jessica Zavala to serve as the new principal of Monterey Hills Elementary School and Emily Blaney to serve as the new principal of Arroyo Vista Elementary School.

Jessica Zavala is no stranger to the South Pasadena community and comes back to Monterey Hills after serving for the past four years as principal of John Muir Elementary – International Spanish Academy School in Glendale. Prior to this role, she was the assistant principal at Monterey Hills for four years with current principal, Dr. Laurie Narro. Throughout Zavala’s more than 26 years in education, she served in various roles including as an educational assistant and fourth grade teacher at Cerritos Elementary School, a sixth grade teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, and a teacher specialist at Benjamin Franklin Magnet School, all within Glendale Unified School District.

Zavala brings experience with diverse groups of students including English language learners, gifted and talented students, and students with special needs. In her current position, Zavala has created a culture of acceptance and inclusivity for teachers, staff, and students through her calm demeanor, organizational skills, and commitment to continuous learning. She is adept at leading teachers and building excellent programs through sophisticated instructional planning and by implementing research-based strategies. Zavala has a strong passion for dual immersion programs and worked extensively to help launch and implement the Spanish dual language immersion program at Monterey Hills in 2015. She also cares deeply for students, continuously finding ways to enhance positive reinforcements and create a welcoming school environment for both students and parents. She works closely with parents and community leaders to offer enrichment programs and school events for all ages. Throughout her career, her exemplary performance as an educator has been recognized at two separate schools as Teacher of the Year.

Zavala earned a Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles. She also holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from California State University, Northridge. She looks forward to starting her new role at Monterey Hills Elementary School on July 1, 2023. Zavala will fill the principal position held by Dr. Laurie Narro, who will retire June 30, 2023.

Emily Blaney comes to South Pasadena from La Cañada Elementary School where she has served as principal for the past eight years. Also within La Cañada Unified, Blaney held a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) position for two years and she taught third grade for two years. Prior to her experience in La Cañada, Blaney taught third, fourth and fifth grades at San Gabriel Unified and El Segundo Unified School Districts. She has worked in education as a teacher, TOSA, and principal for 26 years.

During her tenure at La Canada Elementary School, Blaney worked collaboratively with teachers, staff, students, and parents to achieve high standards of educational best practices in curriculum and instruction, professional collaboration, technology use and implementation, coaching and mentoring, and communications. As a teacher, she successfully differentiated instruction for students, which led to increased student motivation and parent satisfaction. She participated and led efforts related to equity through her forward thinking and solution-driven approaches. Blaney values social emotional learning and recently helped build “The Spot”–a pilot program that focuses on student wellness. She makes time daily for hands-on interaction with students during morning drop offs, recess, and lunch. Blaney received the PTA Founders Day Honorary Service Award in 2015 and received its Continuing Service Award in 2022.

Blaney earned a Bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin, Platteville. She also holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from California State University, Northridge. She will begin her new role at Arroyo Vista Elementary School on July 1, 2023, and will fill the principal position held by Kim Sinclair, who will retire June 30, 2023.

About South Pasadena Unified School District

Established in 1886, the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) serves approximately 4,800 students within five schools including three elementary schools, one middle school and one comprehensive high school in South Pasadena, California. Nestled in the West San Gabriel Valley, SPUSD has earned a reputation for providing high quality public education, attracting families who value challenging academic programs and outstanding teachers. Consistently recognized for superior performance, SPUSD students earn honors at the local, state and national level. The District draws vital support from parents and community members through the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, local PTAs and booster clubs.

For more information, contact: South Pasadena Unified School District, Office of the Superintendent, scarroll@spusd.net.

 

 

 

 

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