SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. (MAY 11, 2023) – South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) has hired Emily Blaney to serve as the new principal of Arroyo Vista Elementary School.

     Blaney comes to South Pasadena from La Cañada Elementary School where she has served as principal for the past eight years. Also within La Cañada Unified, Blaney held a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) position for two years and she taught third grade for two years. Prior to her experience in La Cañada, Blaney taught third, fourth and fifth grades at San Gabriel Unified and El Segundo Unified School Districts. She has worked in education as a teacher, TOSA, and principal for 26 years.

 

     During her tenure at La Canada Elementary School, Blaney worked collaboratively with teachers, staff, students, and parents to achieve high standards of educational best practices in curriculum and instruction, professional collaboration, technology use and implementation, coaching and mentoring, and communications. As a teacher, she successfully differentiated instruction for students, which led to increased student motivation and parent satisfaction. She participated and led efforts related to equity through her forward thinking and solution-driven approaches. Blaney values social emotional learning and recently helped build “The Spot”–a pilot program that focuses on student wellness. She makes time daily for hands-on interaction with students during morning drop offs, recess, and lunch. Blaney received the PTA Founders Day Honorary Service Award in 2015 and received its Continuing Service Award in 2022.

 

     Blaney earned a Bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin, Platteville. She also holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from California State University, Northridge. She will begin her new role at Arroyo Vista Elementary School on July 1, 2023, and will fill the principal position held by Kim Sinclair, who will retire June 30, 2023.

 

About South Pasadena Unified School District
Established in 1886, the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) serves approximately 4,800 students within five schools including three elementary schools, one middle school and one comprehensive high school in South Pasadena, California.  Nestled in the West San Gabriel Valley, SPUSD has earned a reputation for providing high quality public education, attracting families who value challenging academic programs and outstanding teachers. Consistently recognized for superior performance, SPUSD students earn honors at the local, state and national level.  The District draws vital support from parents and community members through the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, local PTAs and booster clubs.