District Announces New LCE Principal

The La Cañada Unified School District announced Thursday the Governing Board's approval of Christine Castillo as the new principal of La Canada Elementary School, effective August 1.

According to a LCUSD press release, the District conducted an exhaustive search, screening more than 60 applications for the position, and interviewing 16 qualified candidates. Castillo surfaced as the clear choice for the principalship.

The interview panels identified her strengths as her focus on doing what is best for students; her support of staff in furthering instructional best practices; and her commitment to partnering with parents to build school community.

Castillo is an experienced administrator, having served as an elementary principal since 2008. She comes to La Cañada from Park Orchard Elementary School in Kent, WA. It is the fourth largest school district in Washington, with almost 27,000 students. Castillo has a Master of Education degree from University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Pomona College.

"Ms. Castillo exceeds the high expectations I held as we searched for the new principal for La Cañada Elementary,'' Superintendent Wendy Sinnette said in a prepared statement.

"She is professional, smart, caring, and dedicated to providing students with the best possible learning experiences. I know her leadership style will inspire the teachers, staff and parents as they work together to ensure student success at LCE."

Castillo takes over for who retires this month after four years of service with LCUSD.