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Lawton Gray Named Principal of John Muir High School
Education May 26, 2017
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Lawton Gray Named Principal Of John Muir High School. – Courtesy Photo
Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Brian Mcdonald announced that he has named Lawton Gray as principal of John Muir High School, effective July 1. An alumnus of John Muir, Gray is a 19-year educator and joins PUSD from the Temple City Unified School District. Gray was named the 2011 administrator of the year by the California Association of School Counselors. Gray’s appointment, effective July 1, is pending board of education approval on May 25.
“As an alumnus of John Muir, a PUSD parent, and an experienced educational leader, Mr. Gray has a unique perspective of the school, its students, and the community that will continue to propel the school’s academic excellence,” said Superintendent Mcdonald. “It is my pleasure to welcome Mr. Gray back to PUSD to lead John Muir High School into the future.”
Gray has been principal of oak avenue intermediate school since 2007, where he expanded the science, technology, engineering, art, and math (steam) offerings for students during the school day and helped create a character education and student recognition program. Most recently, he led the school to winning the 2017 California Gold Ribbon school award which honors schools for excellent teaching, learning, and building highly successful school climates that support student achievement. The school was named a title I academic achieving school by the California Department of Education.
“I am honored and excited to work with the students, parents, staff, and community of John Muir high school to create opportunities for all students to excel academically, be prepared for college, and well equipped for their professional careers,” said Gray.
Prior to becoming principal of Oak Avenue Intermediate, Gray served as assistant principal and dean at Temple City High School. He began his teaching career as a math teacher at Pasadena High School from 1997-2003, where he served as a lead teacher on the school’s leadership team and the school’s WASC student support and academic growth team.
Gray is currently completing a doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Southern California. He has a master’s degree in education leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University and a bachelor of science in mathematics from Morehouse College. Ee earned an administrative services credential from Point Loma Nazarene University and a California Clear Credential from California State University Dominguez Hills.
