During the November 10, 2026, Board meeting, South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) Superintendent Angela Elizondo Baxter presented four new districtwide strategic plan goals that will be implemented within the next three years. The overarching priorities, along with detailed objectives, were approved by the school board and include: empowering future-ready students; cultivating relational and restorative school communities; retaining, recruiting, and supporting teachers, staff, and administrators; and maintaining long-term financial sustainability and operational excellence.
Development and implementation of the strategic plan is a dynamic process that involves District leadership gathering feedback and listening to SPUSD partners. Over the past several weeks, Superintendent Baxter collaborated with school board members during two public, special board meetings and queried District administrators and students to help collect data and establish the goals. Input from students, parents, teachers, and staff that was shared in the Spring 2026 LCAP survey also informed the development of the new strategic plan goals. District administrators will make future instructional, curricular, financial, and facilities decisions with these ideals in mind.
“The new strategic plan sets a clear path forward for South Pasadena Unified,” said Board of Education President Dr. Michele Kipke. “By prioritizing educational excellence, strong community relationships, students’ social-emotional well-being, highly qualified educators, and financial stability, we are ensuring that every student receives the support and opportunities needed to achieve their full potential.”
Many discussions took place around ensuring that all students graduate equipped for future success. Empowering future-ready students incorporates the District and Board’s view that technology will be used to elevate education rather than distract from it. Students need to be digitally literate and continue to incorporate real-world experiences that educate the whole child. Community partnerships, world language opportunities, dual enrollment, project-based learning, and employment readiness are some of the examples that will be interwoven into instruction to equip students for future success, while educators will monitor and assess support services that uplift SPUSD students.
With an emphasis on values such as self-awareness, resilience, empathy, and collaboration, teachers will also be actively integrating social-emotional learning, critical thinking, and innovation into their teaching practices. Building on a strong foundation of inclusive classrooms, staff and faculty will continue to provide access to mental health supports and restorative and inclusive practices to address the needs of all students. Teachers and administrators will encourage students to engage in academics, arts, activities, and athletics that help nurture students’ feelings of belonging.
“Developing and realizing the goals expressed within our Strategic Plan propels us forward into the promising next chapter for South Pasadena Unified students, teachers, staff, and families while welcoming a vision that serves our future students,” said Superintendent Dr. Angela Elizondo Baxter. “We are grateful for the meaningful insights and collaborative spirit demonstrated by our Board, students, parents, and administration throughout this process, and we welcome reflections at any time.”
Teachers, staff, and administrators are integral to the success of SPUSD students. With the goal of retaining, recruiting, and supporting teachers, staff, and administrators, SPUSD will work as one district – one team: a cohesive organization that encourages connections between administrators, teachers, staff, students, and parents at all levels. This goal also emphasizes the importance of providing research-based professional development to teachers that meets the needs of students and advances their instruction.
To keep long-term financial stability, District administrators consistently look for opportunities to reduce expenses while making necessary improvements. The District holds a solid financial position; however, California still ranks at the bottom of public school funding when compared to states across the country. SPUSD relies heavily on revenue generated through local sources like the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, Booster Clubs, and PTAs. These incredibly supportive organizations, along with voter support for the Measure SP bond and Measure S parcel tax, allow the District to develop high-quality programming, modernize facilities, and employ top-notch teaching and support staff.
For a comprehensive look at the 2026 SPUSD Strategic Plan, please refer to the SPUSD website: https://www.spusd.net.
