The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) announced that Superintendent Edwin
Diaz will resign at the end of the current school year. Diaz has served as Superintendent of Schools for
the 19,000 student, K-12 district since 2007.
“The position of Superintendent requires an unmatched commitment of time, energy and passion in
order to adequately serve students, staff and community – a commitment I’ve enthusiastically
embraced during the past four years,” Diaz stated. “After much deliberation and meaningful
discussions with my family, I find at this stage of my life and career I want to pursue a more balanced
and healthy lifestyle.”
Superintendent Diaz, who was recently named Administrator of the Year by the Association of
California School Administrators (ACSA) in Region XV, has led PUSD with a focus on improving
student achievement through rigorous instruction, expanding the capacity of the organization and its
employees, and meaningfully engaging parents and community in student learning.
Student achievement has soared by 52 points on the state’s Academic Performance Index over the
past three years, surpassing the state’s rate of improvement. More PUSD schools have joined the “800
Club,” of schools that are considered high performing. A comprehensive and collaborative strategy
incorporating drop-out prevention and intervention programs for at-risk students has increased PUSD’s
graduation rate.
With an enhanced investment in the use of data to drive instruction and decision making, and stronger
organizational systems, PUSD has improved its effectiveness and accountability and established
credibility with a broad range of external partners. Mr. Diaz also led a major reorganization of the
district’s facilities division, and the development of the district’s Facilities Master Plan. In 2009, voters
approved Measure TT, a $350 million school improvement bond to repair and modernize the district’s
aging schools. To date, 90 percent of projects have been completed on time and under budget.
“I want to thank the many employees, community partners, parents, and students who have supported
our efforts to improve Pasadena Unified over these past four years,” said Diaz. “I strongly encourage
all of you to continue to work together to implement the strategic plan, which represents the
community’s highest dreams and aspirations for public education in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra
Madre. I have the utmost confidence in your ability to prepare our students for a future of limitless
opportunities, and to build PUSD into one of the nation’s strongest and most effective school systems.”
Diaz’s resignation is effective August 2, 2011 and he is committed to supporting a smooth leadership
transition.
Photos by Terry Miller