La Canada Unified honors Superintendent Wendy Synet at final regular meeting

Wendy Synet, the superintendent of La Canada Unified School District, received extended tributes from board members, city officials and district staff at the board’s June 30 meeting, her final regular session before retirement.

Synet, who has led the district through facility bond programs, device rollouts, expansions of transitional kindergarten and the development of school wellness centers, told the board she felt “hugely lucky to serve in this capacity” and thanked staff, families and community partners for their support.

Board members and visitors delivered a series of short remarks and recognitions. Kim, who introduced herself as mayor, presented a token of appreciation and said on behalf of the city, “what you’ve done is like planting those seeds. The effects will be felt for the next 30 and 40 years.” An Assembly certificate from Assemblyman John Herbidian was read into the record praising Synet’s commitment to students, teachers and families.

Synet used her remarks to summarize accomplishments across her tenure, including the district’s passage and implementation of facility bonds, work on student safety and security, the rollout of one‑to‑one devices and expansion of transitional kindergarten at elementary sites. She emphasized relationships and staff collaboration as central to district success and said she would “hold you close in my heart.”

The board paused its regular business several times during the meeting for personal tributes. At the close of the meeting trustees, cabinet members and staff rose to thank Synet for her leadership and wished her well as she transitions out of the superintendent role.

The district plans no immediate board action tied to the retirement beyond scheduled administrative steps; Synet’s departure was acknowledged as a milestone during the meeting and several items on the agenda described work that will continue under district leadership.