Dr. Trudell Skinner Passes Away

Dr. Trudell Skinner, who worked for more than a decade as an educator and administrator within the Pasadena Unified School District, passed away Friday after a brief illness, according to PUSD Superintendent Dr. Brian McDonald.

“Dr. Skinner was a teacher, a leader of leaders, an inspiring mentor to many PUSD administrators, a woman of faith and grace, and a loving and beloved friend. Her experience as a successful site and central office leader in the district was a true asset to Pasadena Unified,” McDonald said.

She had a profound impact on many educators, mentoring and inspiring their growth and paths to leadership.

“An equity warrior, Dr. Skinner believed deeply that our mission as educators is to ensure that our traditionally underserved students have access to strong teachers and challenging curricula, and that we work to remove barriers that impede an equal opportunity to succeed,” McDonald said.

Trudell served as Principal of Blair School for six years, bringing the school to prominence as a 2011 California Distinguished School. She then served as the district’s Equity Coordinator and Coordinator of the Office of Enrollment, Records, and Permits for several years.

Just last month, Trudell was excited about her promotion as PUSD’s Senior Director of TK-12 schools where she would work directly with site administrators.

Dr. Skinner was important to the Pasadena area community for more than her significant roles in PUSD. She was First Lady of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena, where her husband, Dr. Tyrone Skinner, is Senior Pastor.

Services have not been planned yet.

McDonald said condolences may be sent to his office, at 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. They will be forwarded to her family.

Trudell Skinner is survived by her husband, Pastor Tyrone Skinner, and her children Trinity and Tyler, and remembered dearly by her many friends, peers, and students at this sad time.