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La Cañada Unified cites strong outcomes, budget stability and leadership transition at joint state of the district
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Summary
Superintendent Wendy Sinett presented district highlights including enrollment near 4,021, a $68 million revenue projection for 2025–26, progress on 2017 bond projects, and the appointment of Dr. Deborah Craddock as incoming superintendent; a public commenter urged voters to approve Measure LCF to raise $113 million for school facilities.
At the joint state-of-the-city and state-of-the-district meeting, La Cañada Unified School District leaders summarized academic results, enrollment and finances, and announced leadership changes ahead of a planned superintendent transition.
Superintendent Wendy Sinett told the audience the district currently serves about 4,020–4,021 learners and employs roughly 496 staff. She highlighted recent academic measures: among comprehensive unified districts in California, the district ranked first in English language arts and science, and reported testing rates above 98%. Sinett described the district’s approach as community‑centric and driven by five strategic domains including educational excellence, inclusive schools, and safe, modern facilities.
Melissa Shepherd, assistant superintendent of business and operations, presented the district’s 2025–26 financial snapshot: total revenue of approximately $68,000,000, about $46,000,000 from the state’s LCFF (Local Control Funding Formula), roughly $11,000,000 from state and federal sources, and $11,000,000 from other local sources, including approximately $2,800,000 in parcel tax revenue and $2,500,000 from the La Canada Educational Foundation. She said about 80% of expenditures are salaries and benefits and reported projected average daily attendance (ADA) of about 97.36 percent for the year.
On construction, staff said the 2017 bond (approximately $149,000,000) has funded projects across district sites, with significant work completed at Paradise Canyon and Palm Crest and continuing modernization planned for Paradise Canyon this summer. The district also reported turf, field, pool and classroom upgrades at other campuses.
The governing board announced a leadership change: the board appointed Dr. Deborah Craddock to begin as superintendent on Aug. 1, and staff described transition plans and internal promotions to support continuity. Human Resources staff reported recruitment and retention statistics and presented a tentative agreement to the board for a 3.11% on‑schedule salary increase for 2026‑27, which staff said would be brought forward for board approval.
Public comment opened the meeting. Ashley Grace urged passage of Measure LCF, telling the board and council that a yes vote on June 2 would raise $113,000,000 in local funds to update aging school systems and remove asbestos and lead pipes. Grace thanked the school board for endorsing Measure LCF and asked elected officials to publicly support the measure to help educate voters.
District leaders closed by describing safety and technology work: new standard response‑protocol messaging, upgraded PA/clock systems funded by the educational foundation, and an incident‑command system that can integrate first responders. Staff said they will train students and parents on the new emergency protocols and continue outreach on technology use, including student advisory work on AI usage.
The board’s formal business that followed included the joint resolution with the city to begin Cornerstone Corridor planning. The district did not commit bond proceeds or parcel tax funds to that resolution at the meeting; funding and timelines will be determined through the committees the resolution creates.
