McKinley School Principal Named

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Jon R. Gundry announced Tuesday the appointment of John M. Albert as principal of McKinley School for the 2013-2014 school year, pending board approval. Over 1200 students receive a quality education at PUSD’s McKinley School ranging from transitional kindergarten to eighth grade.

“McKinley has a long standing reputation for excellence,” said incoming principal Albert. “I am ecstatic to join the talented team of students, parents, community members, classified staff and teachers.”

Albert joins PUSD from the Capistrano Unified School District in Orange County, where he most recently served as director of curriculum and instructional support. He was previously principal of Ladera Vista Junior High School, a visual and performing arts magnet school in the Fullerton School District and Washington Middle School in the Vista Unified School District. Mr. Albert has also served as an assistant principal and began his career as a high school social studies teacher.

“John Albert brings experience in instructional leadership to narrow the achievement gap at the secondary school level and a track record for supporting the integration of technology to develop 21st century skills while fostering a shared vision among stakeholders to benefit all students,” said PUSD Superintendent John R. Gundry. “I would also like to thank Sharon Lefler and Jennifer Smith for stepping in and serving as an interim principal at McKinley during this past school year.”

Awarded a doctorate in education by the California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) May 26, Albert also has a master’s degree in education administration, a secondary education teaching credential in social studies and a Tier II administrative credential from CSUF.

Pending board approval, Albert will begin working at PUSD July 15.