Recap of 2023 PUSD State of Schools

The 2023 State of The Schools for the Pasadena Unified School District was held on May 18 at 7:00 pm in the auditorium at John Muir High School Early College Magnet.

By News Desk

Informative and entertaining, the event featured students from the Pasadena Playhouse joint production, Into the Woods, who performed songs from the musical and choral pieces from the John Muir High School Early College Magnet Chorus led by Muir teacher Cassandra Franklin. The Star Spangled Banner was sung with a presentation of colors by Blair High School JROTC led by First Sergeant Betsy Cuevas.

Superintendent Dr. Brian McDonald introduced Board President Michelle Richardson Bailey who spoke about the schools’ solid financial foundation, signature programs of the schools, and her appreciation of the principals, teachers, labor partners and the students. She noted many accomplishments. She said, “Sierra Madre Middle School was named a California Distinguished School. Altadena Arts Magnet was named a national magnet model school. We have five posse scholars this year.”

Senior Christina Leyva spoke about her experience in the PUSD as a student in the Spanish Dual Immersion program. Leyva is a Posse Scholar and will be attending Dickinson College in Pennsylvania on a full scholarship.

Board President Bailey said  that “PUSD athletes are performing at high levels. John Muir’s Football and Blair’s Boys’ Basketball teams won CIF division championships.”

PUSD Board trustees in attendance were, President Bailey, Vice President Kim Kenne, Clerk Jennifer Hall Lee, and members Pat Cahalan, Patrice Marshall McKenzie, and Tina Fredericks.