Dr. Elizabeth Blanco (Photo – PUSD)
The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education announced that it has selected Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D., as the next Superintendent of Schools.
By News Desk
At a special meeting on April 27, 2024, the Board voted unanimously to approve Dr. Blanco’s appointment and authorized District staff to enter negotiations to finalize a contract which will be voted on by the Board on May 23, 2024.
Dr. Blanco’s appointment follows an extensive search, which brought a field of highly qualified candidates. The Board’s decision reflects input gathered from families, staff, and other educational partners in the District regarding the qualities desired in PUSD’s next leader. Input for the new superintendent included sessions with administrators, staff, parents, and district partners, along with an online survey.
“With her personal history, experience, and passion for social justice, Dr. Blanco is the right person to lead Pasadena Unified students, families, teachers, and staff in actualizing our district’s mission to prepare our students to be successful in an ever-evolving world,” said Board President Kimberly Kenne.
Dr. Blanco said:
I am honored to continue partnering with the students, staff, and families of this great district to create a culture of ‘with’ that supports and uplifts our students. I’m thrilled and ready to work with PUSD’s dedicated and talented teachers, staff, families, partners, and Board to take all our schools and programs to the next level.”
Elizabeth Blanco
An accomplished executive and servant leader with more than 30 years of experience in public education, Dr. Blanco is passionate about creating dynamic learning environments that are engaging and inclusive of all learners.
Dr. Blanco has served in the Pasadena Unified School District as Interim Superintendent since July 2023; Deputy Superintendent, the District’s second-highest role, since 2022; as Chief Academic Officer from 2018-2021; and Chief of Specialized Instructional Services from 2017-2018. She was previously the District’s Executive Director of SELPA, Special Education and Early Childhood from 2009-2012.
Dr. Blanco led the PUSD’s visioning for the future through the design and development of the District’s Strategic Plan. Dr. Blanco also led the design and implementation of the District’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Her work includes the expansion of magnet schools and the establishment of community schools and educational equity access initiatives.
She holds a Doctor of Education in Urban Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, two Master of Arts degrees in Educational Administration and Special Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from California State University, Los Angeles.
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