Pasadena Unified Superintendent Closes in On Top Spot in Columbus, Ohio; Named Among Final Three Candidates

Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Brian McDonald has advanced to the next round of interviews for the position of Superintendent of Columbus, Ohio city schools.

The Columbus City Schools Board of Education has named McDonald among the three finalists Thursday, from an initial field of 31.

Earlier this week, Pasadena Now reported that McDonald had applied for the position and was a semi-finalist.

The Pasadena Unified School District would not comment on the matter when reached by Pasadena Now.

McDonald’s application outside Pasadena came after several members of the District’s executive leadership team left the district recently.

Chief Business Officer Dr. Leslie Barnes, Facilities Director Leonard Hernandez and Chief of Technology Tendaji Jamal have left or tendered their resignations this year.

Late last year, Chief Human Resources Officer Stephen Miller retired.

Late last month, a source within the district told Pasadena Now that several board members wanted McDonald out. 

The Columbus City Schools Board reported it had conducted a one-on-one Zoom interview with McDonald and other candidates earlier this week.

The interviews “allowed the Board to assess how each of the candidates measures up to the qualities that our community believes are important in a new superintendent,” a statement said.

Following the interviews, the Columbus City Schools Board said Board Members reached a consensus on the finalists who will advance to the final round of interviews. The finalists for the position are Dr. Brian McDonald, Dr. Angela Chapman (of Columbus, Ohio)  and Dr. George (Eric) Thomas (of Minneapolis, Minnesota).

The statement said the finalists will visit Columbus for a “Day in the District” on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Each finalist will meet with Columbus City Schools students, teachers, and labor groups; city and county leaders; members of the business community; faith leaders; parent groups; and partner organizations.

On Thursday evening, May 11, the Columbus City Board of Education will host a “Meet the Finalists” community forum, where members of the community can hear from the finalists in a moderated question-and-answer format. The event will be held from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. 

The Board of Education expects to conduct final interviews the week of May 15, 2023.