Glendora Unified Welcomes New Principals, Says Goodbye to Suzuki

It was a bittersweet moment for the Glendora Unified School District as it welcomed three new principals, while bidding farewell to seven-year administrator Dr. Mary Suzuki.

Three new principals for La Fetra, Stanton and Sutherland Elementary were introduced during Monday’s school board meeting.

Carlos Moran, a former principal from Rosemead School District, is filling the vacancy left behind when former La Fetra principal, Brock Jacobsen, took on principal duties at Goddard Middle School.

“It’s a great performing school district and a wonderful community and I hope I can continue the traditions of Glendora Unified School District,” said Moran.

New Sutherland Elementary principal Joe Berry, who comes to Glendora Unified from Mount Diablo Unified School District in the Bay Area, said he anticipated working with his new colleagues in continuing the district’s reputation for excellence.

“Glendora does great things with its students and I’m honored to become a part of it,” said Berry, who replaces former principal Jennifer Root.

New Stanton Elementary principal Sarah Najarro said her goal for the school is simply to raise its performance level.

“Although schools in Glendora Unified all do well, Stanton is the least performing of all the elementary schools,” said the former principal from Mango Elementary School in Fontana. “My goal is to put the school on the map.”

Najarro replaces former principal Kristina McCauley who left her position to become a stay-at-home mom.

After seven years with Glendora Unified, Dr. Mary Suzuki, director of K-8 curriculum, instruction, categorical programs and student services is leaving the district to become the assistant superintendent for Garvey School District.

Earlier this year, Suzuki had been one of four Glendora school administrators to befrom the Association of California School Administrators.

Suzuki, who had also been the principal for Williams Elementary before the school’s closure two years ago, said the decision to leave Glendora was hard. However, Glendora’s own assistant superintendent position had long been left vacant due to budget constraints.

Still, Suzuki believes she leaves the district in good hands.

“We have incredible teachers and incredible principals…we have exceptional new principals coming to us this year and it will be just be continual success here in Glendora,” said Suzuki.