Superintendent Donna Perez to Retire

JOHNNY HUYNH
Staff Writer

As the 2011-2012 school year is brought to a close, retirement will mark the transition in a journey for several individuals within the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD).

After 42 years of service, it was announced in April that it is AUSD Superintendent Donna Perez’s time to retire.

Perez started her career in the AUSD as a teacher at Northrup Elementary School in 1969. Throughout her tenure, she has taught at elementary and high school levels and was appointed to various leadership positions – such as Director of Education Services and Staff Development, Director of Human Resources, Director of Elementary Education and Principal and finally as Superintendent in 2007.

According to Perez, she was drawn to the AUSD by its family-like, people-oriented atmosphere, the caring people and its focus on student achievement.

“My best experiences include working with teachers for professional development training, leading Central Curriculum meetings where K-8 teachers made decisions and discussed teaching issues, working with principals […], celebrating student, teacher and management accomplishments and working with my Cabinet and the Board of Education,” Perez said.

The next superintendent will be elected by the school district board, which is comprised of at least eight members. He or she must have administrative credentials and teaching credentials in order to be considered for the position of superintendent.

Strong abilities of communication and cooperation are sought after for the next incumbent. The position of superintendent is not supposed to be a leader of executive isolation but mutual collaboration with an organization of personnel.

The Alhambra Teachers Association (ATA) is expected to have a fair say. The organization’s President, Dr. Roz Collier, emphasized the importance of such characteristics in her speech on April 24.

“One cannot overestimate the task nor the impact [the superintendent] has on thousands of lives, both children and adults,” Collier stated.

In late June or early July, someone will be appointed to be the new superintendent. However, Perez will remain in an interim position until the end of August.

“My retirement is bitter-sweet,” Perez said. “I will miss the challenge of leadership and the dedicated people.”

After August, Perez expects to spend more time with her family and travel to unique places as well.

“I would like to thank the District for allowing me to serve the students of Alhambra over the past 42 years,” Perez said. “During that time, I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest professionals I will ever encounter! Of this I am certain: I will remain grateful throughout my life.”