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A familiar face in the South Pasadena Unified School District was formally introduced as Arroyo Vista Elementary School’s principal Tuesday night during a virtual Board of Education meeting.
No stranger to the district, Sinclair will guide the campus on the western edge of the city following the announcement that departing principal Cheryl Busick has taken over the reins at South Pasadena Middle School, replacing Dave Kubela, who announced in April he was leaving the city to become the new principal at Acton-Agua Dulce Middle School.
Sinclair worked as the coordinator of curriculum and assessment for SPUSD the past four years, responsible for research-based instructional strategies, assessments, and teacher professional development.
“She did an outstanding job in that position,” said SPUSD Superintendent Geoff Yantz. “She was eager to get back to a school site. She missed the kids a lot, which is normal.”
Prior to working at the district office, Sinclair served for seven years as principal of Marengo Elementary School in the city.
“We were in a situation where Ms. Busick was hired as the principal at the middle school, obviously we are having some financial challenges and I had to make the decision to take advantage of the circumstances, and having Ms. Sinclair interested in going back to a school site, and knowing the challenges the school and district are going to be faced with over the next couple of years, Kim will certainly be able to lead and manage the school going forward. So, I think it’s a good match for this time.”
Yantz’s comments come as Governor Gavin Newsom forecasts dismal economic projections, including major revenue shortfalls for K-12 public schools and community colleges across the state.
Prior to overseeing Marengo, Sinclair worked as the coordinator of testing and categorical programs in the South Pasadena Unified School District. She later was a kindergarten, first, and third grade teacher at Marengo.
In addition, Sinclair taught elementary school at Coronado Unified, Los Angeles Unified, Clark County Unified in Las Vegas, and even took her talents to Italy.
“I am honored and thrilled to join the families and staff at Arroyo Vista during a time when ideas about working together in unique ways that best support students, academically as well as socially and emotionally, will be critical,” said Sinclair in a statement. “My experience collaboratively bringing new initiatives into play while supporting students, teachers, and families with respect will help build a strong team for the future.”
She takes over at Arroyo Vista on July 1. District officials say her position as coordinator of curriculum and assessment at the district will not be replaced due to budget constraints.
