INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS
Brenda Ruiz (Photo courtesy of author)
Brenda Ruiz, principal of Cortada Elementary School, in the El Monte City School District will retire this month.
By Laura Hackett
Before each school day had even begun, Ruiz had already created as welcoming an environment as she could manage. Those efforts left students and teachers alike holding her in high regard.
“Ruiz has been a student-centered leader who always put her focus onto what was best for kids. She’s so supportive, she was the icon in the hallways. Those are going to be hard shoes to fill. She believes in what we do at Cortada and she would tell us that every day. She’s above and beyond any principal you could imagine working for,” said Specialized Academic Instruction Teacher, Miriam Perez.
Appointed as principal at Cortada Elementary at the end of her tenure, Ruiz has worn many hats. Ruiz has led the district team that has been working at Cortada Elementary to bring academic, behavior and social emotional learning programs to students. Ruiz would share her education expertise at professional development training with the teachers.
Perez credited Ruiz for making a difference. “Ruiz has made a tremendous impact on our school. Her passion for leading school-wide and district initiatives is admirable. She has been a great mentor, co-worker and friend to me.”
Ruiz’s eight-year service at the elementary school completed a diverse career. Ruiz has a total of eighteen years experience in the district. Her absence from the elementary school will no doubt create a noticeable void, but the memories and impressions she made on her students and teachers will be everlasting.
“For the kids, she was a fantastic role model and leader for them. She understands where they come from and is a mentor for the kids, especially those who may not have that at home. We’re sad to see her go, and the staff has gone through a grieving process because she takes care of the students and the staff and has been a great leader for them. We’re going to miss her. Ruiz is a school principal to remember”, said Nancy Portillo a Special Education Teacher at Cortada Elementary School.
What will she do in retirement? Ruiz said she is “going to travel, read books for pleasure, go on bike rides, and work in her garden. She says she got a bike about two years ago, but has only been able to use it twice since then.”
Cortada Elementary thanks Ruiz for everything and wishes Ruiz safe travels and success in all of her future endeavors.
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