Schools

Superintendent: Transparency Not Just a 'Buzz Word'

Patch sat down with the new superintendent, who is three weeks into a school year already boasting improved API scores and a focus on better communication.

It's Wendy Sinnette's 10th year at La Cañada Unified School District, and the first as its superintendent.

The 49-year-old Altadena resident took a time out to chat with Patch about the district's achievements and challenges, the hot button topic of teacher collaboration days and what she'd want if trapped on a desert island. 

Q: What do you see as the district's largest challenges?

Find out what's happening in La Cañada Flintridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A: It’s a combination of things. When you reach this level of excellence, the pressure is on to maintain and futher it. That means evaluating educational intiatives and programs, and engaging in best practices.

We have to make sure we’re transparent and always communicate things effectively and timely. The other challenge is the financial crisis the state is dealing with. We are really fortunate to be blessed with donations from the community, but with that comes increased expectations for performance.

Find out what's happening in La Cañada Flintridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Q: If you had one extra hour in the day, what would you use it for? 

A: What I'm finding getting put to the side is the gym. I’d use that hour on the tread mill.

Q: How do you respond to critics who charge the district is not transparent enough in its actions/policies? 

A: I welcome the feedback. The only way we learn and grow is to listen to the critics and proponents, and that just means there’s more we can do. In this economy, when people are giving more, and people’s home prices are tied to the schools' success, they expect improved scores and quality day to day. We have to be really transparent and work on areas where critics are saying improvement needs to be made.

Q: And for a super goofy question, what is under your bed right now? 

A: My dog, Miesha's pillow. She's a Siberian husky. I pull out the pillow for her to sleep on every night.

Q: There was/is a bit of hullabaloo over the four days for professional development. Someone emailed me that it's actually 5 days because of two partials that haven't been publicly discussed. What can you say about this?

A: The taught us a very valuable lesson: that we should’ve communicated more effectively. I understand parent concerns, that [the lost instructional days] impact not only what they perceive to be their child's eduation, but also child care and planning.

These days are very important. If you look at the model for the work, we do plan instruction reflective of the results and adjust. We haven’t had the opportunity to give teachers the time with tools to reflect and modify. We need to demonstrate to the community what a powerful best practice it is to be transparent, and show the results of these days. [Hopefully, the critics'] feelings will be assuaged when they see the results – and that's our charge.

[Regarding the other partial days], Open House Day is an early dimissal and the last day of school is a half day. These days are listed in an attachment to the teacher’s contract, posted on the district's website, and are included in the high school registration packet.

Q: For one week, you're stranded on a desert island that miraculously has electricity. What one album, book and food would you require?

A: For music, anything by Paul Weller; books – the whole Harry Potter series. I'd definitely want to re-read that. And for food, anything hot and spicy (I love Indian food). 

Q: What are your thoughts on posting the agenda and all accompanying documents online rather than having oodles of papers, many often un-used, that must end up in the recycling bins?

A: As we transition to an increasing electronic culture, that is what lies ahead in the future – but it's a slow process. Lots of people are used to paper. We've started with the district PTA newsletters, and will move toward more and more paperless. Even though most people in this community probably have a computer at home, we have to be careful not to exclude anyone. And yes, all the leftover papers are recycled. 

Q: What would you like to tell La Cañadans about LCUSD?

A: The main initiatives for this year are to continue with student achievement in all measures, build school and community culture and increase transparency.

That’s not just a buzz word – when you have a community that is so integrated in the school system (ie: many donating $2,500 per family) and cares so much about the schools and what we're doing, it is incumbent on us that people have access to information and have and a voice.

Q: What's the best part about being the head of LCUSD?

A: I so much appreciate that we’re a district where the schools are at the core of community values. We've got dedicated parents, quality educators and classificed staff. Everything comes together into a nice synergy.

Having been a principal at and , one of my goals is to continue to know the kids. Those seventh and eighth graders are juniors and seniors this year.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here