It has been nearly 12 years, but for Geoff Yantz it seems like yesterday that, along with support from the local school board, he set out on a mission.
Yantz, the departing the South Pasadena Unified School District superintendent with eyes on retirement, talked about those early days on the job, outlining a vision and strategic plan for the city’s five campuses, bent on making significant improvements.
Taking it all in recently were members of the Oneonta Club, a group that meets monthly throughout the year at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena, billing itself as philanthropists comprised of fellows young and old.
Further, as described on the organization’s website: “We are fun!”
And on this night, as is accustomed at these gatherings, there was plenty of the latter – hearty laughter, coupled with good-natured camaraderie, friendship, and bonding galore. Dinner, a joke or two, a sing-along and a sprinkling of club news ahead of the guest speaker generally rounds out the evening.
The club’s tagline takes the amusement one step further: “Do nothing until you’re ready to do something.”
Proud that the transformation of the schools began to take place a dozen years ago, Yantz told the crowd, “Together, we’ve not only met these goals, but in many ways exceeded them. And it’s all thanks to the extraordinary people who dedicate their lives to our schools – our administrators, our teachers, our staff, our community partners and, of course, our incredibly talented students.”
Before going into the specifics on how the monumental task was accomplished, Yantz reminded those on hand of the District’s vision, saying: “We strive to help students reach their full potential by developing intellectual abilities, emotional maturity, unique talents, curiosity, and the love of learning, with the end result of young adults confidently and collaboratively participating in the complex global community.”
Further, he insisted: “Everything we do, every decision we make is guided by this simple, yet powerful vision.”
The No. 1 target in the beginning were upgrades to the facilities, Yantz noting that the schools were showing their age, plenty of wear and tear after years of neglect and in enormous need of some of tender loving care.
The launching pad behind it all was the passage of a community backed $98 million bond measure at the time that “completely transformed our learning environments,” noted Yantz. “In summary, we’ve modernized classrooms, built state-of-the-art engineering labs, multi-media labs and buildings solely dedicated to the arts. We’ve invested in athletic in athletic fields, courts, training facilities and film rooms, replaced portable classrooms and permanent ones, all providing our students and staff with safe and effective environments they need to excel in their pursuits. We have upgraded our safety and security systems and continue to be good stewards of our existing facilities with roof, HVAC replacement, and other repairs.”
Irrigation controls to save water, the planting of new trees, changing exterior and interior lighting to LED, and installation of solar panels on roofs were among other campus betterments.
“These upgrades provide safe, effective, high-tech learning environments for all,” said the superintendent. “But keep in mind that there is still so much more that can and should be done.”
Carrying on the assignment moving forward will be new hire Dr. Angela Elizondo Baxter, who takes over for Yantz as superintendent July 1 after he makes his exit at the end of June. Dr. Baxter comes over from the Culver City Unified School District where she has been serving as the current assistant superintendent of educational services.
Yantz leaves his post recognizing he oversees one of California’s finest school districts, mindful “it takes proactive steps to reduce expenses and help maintain its financial position as we face ongoing annual challenges brought on by the state’s woeful funding for public schools, and the funding formula that since 2012 has created a significant revenue disparity for South Pas schools, as compared to most other public school districts.” he said.
And to that, Yantz insisted: “Our reliance on local sources of revenue has never been greater.”
The remedy for additional funds for students falls on resources coming through support from the South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF), especially its icon fundraiser Parti Gras, a festive event featuring food, music and dancing traditionally held in May at South Pasadena’s Arroyo Golf Course. Major assistance throughout the year also comes from school booster clubs, the PTA, and, of course, the Oneonta Club.
Ahead of Yantz giving his talk, the Oneonta Club Foundation presented three outstanding South Pasadena High School seniors – Theo Hilger, Austin Hwang and Benjamin Regan – with $10,000 scholarships. Receiving $1,000 Teacher of the Year awards from the Foundation were Katy Chen (SPMS) and Eva Muniz (Monterey Hills).
Adding to the mix, the SPHS Jazz Band also made its presence, performing during the dinner portion.
The superintendent emphasized, without the internal financial contributions, the school district he oversees would have a whole different look today. “I think about a baking analogy,” he said, sizing up what SPEF, booster clubs, PTA’s, Oneonta Club and other support means. “We, the school district and schools can mix and bake a delicious cake, but the contributions from other organizations are the icing on top that makes the cake colorful, delicious, attractive and award-winning. For us, these ingredients help create a school district that is a destination for families seeking the highest quality education that can be found in our state. Local support allows us to maintain small class sizes, offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and effective courses and provide our students with access to the latest technology, and so much more.”
Accomplishments districtwide, pointed out Yantz, are a result of evolving course offerings based on student interests, social, political and economic demands, including the development of a robust pathways supplemented with electives and related courses.
“And now,” he added, “for some courses, students can simultaneously earn college credit.”
Noteworthy, the South Pasadena Unified School District boasts four National Blue Ribbon Schools, five California Distinguished schools, and campuses are consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. New & World Report.
In addition, South Pasadena High’s athletic program has made great strides in recent years, pulling down its share of Rio Hondo League titles in a variety of sports, while “fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, pride and a sense of community,” Yantz said, adding the middle school booster club allows 7th and 8th grade students an opportunity to play intramural sports like basketball, volleyball, flag football and ultimate frisbee.
What Yantz deems “a stellar arts team,” he signaled out the talents of teachers who oversee, coordinate and create high-energy band, orchestra, choir, drama, and dance classes, joining art and photography instructors renowned for their expertise.
“I feel honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve in the role and to work alongside such a remarkable team of educators, the Board of Education, parents and community members,” Yantz said in closing.” Your dedication and passion have made a significant impact on the lives of our students, and I’m grateful for your unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Serving as superintendent, he’s not sure there is anything more one could desire than to see the South Pasadena community rally for its schools with such class, commitment and character.
“You should be proud of the teachers, support staff and administrators, and the way SPUSD has grown and changed over the years. We are, most definitely, a destination school district,” he concluded. “Since it was established in 1886, South Pasadena Unified has contributed so much to children and this community. Whether in the classroom, in the laboratory, in the community or on the court or fields, the South Pas family has the courage and perseverance to continue the pursuit of excellence. We support one another. We care about being responsible and passionate citizens.
“You are SPUSD, and I’m proud to have served and led your schools,” he added before encouraging the audience to raise a glass in a toast to the local public school system.
Flashing a smile, Yantz then exclaimed, “Cheers!”
And everyone did, in big part paying tribute to the man who worked alongside the SPUSD board in launching and guiding the District’s successful mission 12 years ago.
