Brian McDonald became the Pasadena Unified School District’s chief academic officer earlier this month. He previously worked as an administrator and principal in Houston, Texas, where in the early 1990s he taught English language learners alongside Jon Gundry, who is now superintendent of Pasadena schools. McDonald sat down for a question-and-answer session with the Pasadena Sun.
Pasadena Sun: What was it like teaching with Gundry?
Brian McDonald: We had a very powerful department, maybe the best in the city. He was always so very well-informed. I kept in touch with him while he moved up. He told me there was a position available, so I applied.
Sun: Any strong first impressions of Pasadena?
McDonald: This is a very cozy town. It’s artsy, and the people are friendly.
Sun: And Pasadena Unified?
McDonald: As I’ve walked the schools, they’ve been nice and quiet. I see a lot of committed people.
Photo of Brian McDonald by Raul Roa, Pasadena Sun.
from the Pasadena Sun
Pasadena Sun: What was it like teaching with Gundry?
Brian McDonald: We had a very powerful department, maybe the best in the city. He was always so very well-informed. I kept in touch with him while he moved up. He told me there was a position available, so I applied.
Sun: Any strong first impressions of Pasadena?
McDonald: This is a very cozy town. It’s artsy, and the people are friendly.
Sun: And Pasadena Unified?
McDonald: As I’ve walked the schools, they’ve been nice and quiet. I see a lot of committed people.
More at the Pasadena Sun.
Photo of Brian McDonald by Raul Roa, Pasadena Sun.