MESSAGE TO PUSD

June 15, 2023

Dear PUSD Family,

After 12 years with PUSD and nine as Superintendent, we have accomplished much of what we set out to do.

With the District about to embark on a new Strategic Plan, this is an opportune moment for PUSD to transition to new leadership. It’s time for me to move on to new challenges.

My heart is with PUSD and I want this to be a seamless and positive transition to ensure that students, employees, families, and the community continue to prosper. I will remain your Superintendent until June 30, 2023.

The average tenure of an urban school superintendent is less than three years. I’ve had a deeply satisfying experience leading this great district for so many years. My children have benefitted from attending our schools and I am grateful to a dedicated staff of teachers, administrators, and all employees who serve PUSD students.

It has been particularly challenging leading the district through COVID and the return to in-person operations. We’ve weathered some very difficult times together and emerged stronger.

I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished together during my tenure at PUSD. Below are a few examples:

• Establishment and expansion of the instructional infrastructure that has led to improved student outcomes including the closing of the cohort graduation rate gap and significantly reduced student suspensions
• Three federal magnet grants of over $30 million that have transformed seven schools
• Adoption of a Graduate Profile to guide our work in preparing our students for a successful future
• Expansion of academic programs such as Dual Language Immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB), Arts Education, Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), College & Career Academies, and the creation of the APP and Math Academies
• Establishment of an Equity Litmus Test and a Student Think Tank that elevates the student voice
• Development of stronger partnerships between the school district, institutions of higher education, and local municipalities
• With the City of Pasadena and local community support, voters approved Measures I and J which results in approximately $10 million in additional revenue annually
• The passage of Measure O, the largest general obligation bond ever approved in our District that provides funding for facilities and technology upgrades
• Restructuring of the salary schedule for teachers and other certificated employees to align with other districts and in the current school year, providing the largest single-year salary increase for teachers and other employees in our District’s history

I’m also appreciative of the Board of Education for the leadership they have provided over the years. I am also grateful to the families and communities of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre for your support of our students and schools.

Finally, I would like to say this to the students of PUSD: dream big, grow as thinkers, and no matter where life takes you, lead with passion and commitment. It has been a privilege to serve you.

Sincerely,

Brian O. McDonald, Ed.D.

Superintendent

JUNE 15, 2023

STATEMENT BY BOARD PRESIDENT ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGARDING DR. MCDONALD’S IMPENDING DEPARTURE

As you just read, the Board of Education has accepted Dr. McDonald’s resignation effective

June 30, 2023. Until then, he will continue to serve as Superintendent of Schools.

Dr. McDonald came to the District in 2011 at the urging of then Superintendent Jon Gundry. He

was initially appointed as Chief Academic Officer and served in that position until 2014 when he

was appointed Deputy Superintendent. Later that year, he was asked by the Board of Education

to serve as Interim Superintendent. In November 2014, Dr. McDonald was appointed by the

Board to serve as Superintendent of Schools.

First as interim and then as permanent Superintendent, Dr. McDonald served in those capacities

for an almost unprecedented nine years. In the history of the District, few have served longer.

During that time, the challenges, including those faced as a result of declining enrollment and

Covid-19, were many. Despite the challenges, his steady leadership along with the support of

staff kept the District moving forward. Material financial and academic gains were made by the

District during his tenure. Dr. McDonald introduced many innovative programs that continue to

benefit students. He also cultivated strong relationships within and across the communities that

comprise our District. Dr. McDonald leaves a rich and enduring legacy in PUSD.

Turning to our Superintendent, on behalf of the Board of Education, Dr. McDonald, thank you

for your many years of service to our community. Your dedication to the children of our District

has been continuously evident. You have made a lasting impact on the District and will indeed

be missed. The Board wishes you and your family all the best in the future as you embark on the

next chapter of your educational journey.