Pasadena Unified Names New Pasadena High School Principal Amid Leadership Changes

The Pasadena Unified School District announced Wednesday morning that Dr. Eric Barba, a seasoned administrator with 26 years of experience in education, has been selected as the new principal of Pasadena High School. His appointment, effective July 1, 2024, is pending approval by the Board of Education.

The District said that Dr. Barba, who has served as the principal of Monache High School in the Porterville Unified School District since 2015, brings a wealth of knowledge in secondary education, including professional learning communities, career academies, career-technical education, and dual enrollment. 

Under his leadership, Monache was named a California Distinguished School in 2024, partly due to improvements in school climate, decreased suspensions, improved attendance, and effective campus security and safety programs. 

“Dr. Barba led the transformation of the school’s culture through transparent leadership, trust-building, and accountability; supervised four career academies; and was the lead site administrator during three major construction projects,the District announcement said. 

“I am honored to have been selected to join the Pasadena High School team,” said Dr. Barba. “I look forward to working with the staff, students, and families to create amazing opportunities for all students. Go Bulldogs!”

The appointment comes amid other leadership changes at PHS. Vivian Huang, who has served as assistant principal since 2021, has accepted a promotion as interim Executive Director of Special Education, also effective July 1, 2024, and pending Board approval. The District is launching a recruitment effort for a new assistant principal to fill the vacancy left by Huang’s promotion.

Additionally, Noemi Orduña, who has served as principal of Octavia E. Butler Magnet School since 2022, will join PHS as one of the assistant principals, effective July 1, 2024.

Shannon Malone, Ed.D., Senior Director of TK-12 Principals, expressed gratitude for the leadership and service of Huang to PHS in the announcement of the changes.