From PasadenaNOW: Pasadena School Board Approves Resignation of Superintendent Brian McDonald-Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Brian McDonald, who has served in that position for nine years, is leaving his post effective June 30.
This after the PUSD Board voted to approve the acceptance of a resignation agreement for McDonald during a regularly scheduled Board meeting Thursday evening.
“Via vote of 6-1, the Board took action to approve an agreement that provides for the resignation of the superintendent effective June 30th 2023 on terms stated on the written agreement,” Board President Michelle Bailey announced after the Board’s closed session.
Bailey did not explain why McDonald resigned. In May, it was reported that McDonald was among six candidates for the top leadership position in Columbus (Ohio) City School District.
McDonald came to PUSD in 2011. He initially served as Chief Academic Officer 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, his position became permanent.
In March 2022, PUSD Board voted 4-3 to extend the contract of McDonald until 2026 amid some opposition from members of the community.
“It’s time for me to move on to new challenges,” McDonald said in comments at the meeting, without detailing why he resigned. “With the District about to embark on a new Strategic Plan, this is an opportune moment for PUSD to transition to new leadership.”
While it was a challenge leading the district through COVID and the return to in-person operations, McDonald said serving the district over the years is “deeply satisfying” and he is proud of what the district has accomplished.
McDonald noted that the district has made significant progress in recent years, including closing the cohort graduation rate gap, significantly reducing student suspensions, receiving three federal magnet grants totaling over $30 million, which have transformed seven schools, and adopting a Graduate Profile to guide the district’s work in preparing students for a successful future.
He also pointed to the passage of Measure O, the largest general obligation bond ever approved in the district, and the restructuring of the salary schedule for teachers and other certificated employees to align with other districts — the largest single-year salary increase for teachers and other employees in the district’s history.
McDonald thanked the PUSD Board, teachers and staff, as well as families and communities of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre who supported students and schools.
McDonald has this to say to Pasadena Unified students:
“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.”
Members of the Board and the public likewise thanked McDonald for his service.
Board member Jennifer Hall Lee said she hates to see McDonald go. Citing remarks by the California School Boards Association and facilitators, Hall Lee noted that the superintendent is one of the best district superintendents in the state.
“I’ve heard from principals that Dr. McDonald’s support has been absolutely solid,” Hall Lee continued. “He created an enrollment committee when enrollment was down and that is a bold move.”
Hall Lee expressed hopes the district leadership can continue the stability McDonald had built, adding that “instability does hurt student achievement.”
“I’m here to express our extreme gratitude to superintendent Brian McDonald for his commitment to partnership with the CCC (Clergy Community Coalition) over the past 12 years,” said Pastor Kerwin Manning, Senior Pastor at Pasadena Church and chair of Coaltion. “Dr. McDonald has prioritized the PUSD with our churches, calling us to action, and as a result of his inspiration we have adopted schools.”
CCC Vice Chair Pastor John Lo also thanked McDonald. “Dr. McDonald, I’m so grateful for your leadership,” he said.
“The church is here and in your next appointment of the superintendent I hope that the School Board sees how we can come together as a community for the students,” Lo further told the Board.
“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,” said Board President Bailey.
Bailey noted that during McDonald’s tenure, the district faced many challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and declining enrollment but despite these challenges, McDonald’s “steady leadership” along with staff support kept the district moving forward.
Bailey said the superintendent will leave a rich and enduring legacy in PUSD.
“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,” Bailey added.