Meet San Rafael Elementary’s Interim Principal

Sandra V. Rizzo, who has served for 13 years as Assistant Principal at Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, has been named Interim Principal at San Rafael Elementary. Ms. Rizzo has been with PUSD for 24 years and began her career at Marshall as a Spanish language and literature teacher. She has professional experience in Special Education, athletics, facilities, school programs, testing, counseling, and curriculum. She was critical in the development of the native speakers program and the AP Spanish literature course. She served as Foreign Language Department Chair, worked as Dance Coach for five years, and has been a great mentor to many students. In 2000, she founded Club Unidos, designed to empower Latino students. Club Unidos grew from 10 members to almost 300 in 2020. She served the club for 20 years and many club alumni still return to the school and the community to offer their services.

In 2007, Ms. Rizzo received the Pasadena Rotary Teacher of Excellence Award, and, in 2014, received the Assistant Principal of the Year Award from the Association of Pasadena School Administrators (APSA). Ms. Rizzo is a product of PUSD schools and attended Hamilton, Jefferson, Wilson, and Marshall Fundamental schools. Ms. Rizzo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Language from California State University Northridge. She also attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she earned a credential and a Master’s Degree in School Administration.

San Rafael Elementary School, 1090 Nithsdale Rd., Pasadena, (626) 396-5790, or visit www.pusd.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=33.

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), 351 S. Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 396-3600 or visit www.pusd.us.