Dr. Michele Kipke (center) and South Pasadena Unified School District representatives (Photo – SPUSD)
The South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) has announced that Dr. Michele Kipke is the recipient of the Association of California School Administrators’ Golden Apple Award for Volunteerism, recognizing her longstanding dedication and service to the district.
By News Desk
Superintendent Angela Elizondo Baxter publicly honored Kipke on March 19, highlighting her extraordinary contributions to South Pasadena Unified over nearly two decades.
Michele Kipke has served on the SPUSD School Board since 2008, helping guide the district with a focus on maintaining high standards of education for local students. Over her 18-year tenure, she has held the role of board president multiple times and has been credited with fostering a culture of stability, growth, and respect.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, while serving as board president, Kipke took a proactive approach by bringing in public health experts to inform the board’s decisions, ensuring that policies were grounded in scientific evidence.
Beyond her role on the school board, Kipke is a Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Senior Vice President at the University of Southern California. Her community involvement also includes serving as Vice President of Strategic Planning for the South Pasadena Educational Foundation and as a leader within the Marengo PTA.
Kipke also played a key role in establishing the Special Needs Committee, which has since become an official PTA committee with representation at the board level.
District officials expressed their gratitude for Kipke’s extensive volunteer service, praising her dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on the students and families of South Pasadena Unified School District.
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