The La Cañada Unified School District has appointed Kelly Duncan as the new principal of La Cañada Elementary School to begin the 2023-24 school year, the district announced.
Duncan comes to LCUSD from San Marino Unified School District where she served in a variety of leadership roles. Since 2018, she was the principal of the San Marino Summer Academy for TK-7th grade students. From 2011 to 2022, she was a classroom teacher and a mentor to new educators. Most recently, she served as a teacher on special assignment, supporting fellow teachers and leading a variety of curriculum, assessment and student-centered initiatives.
Duncan began her career in education in 2000 in the San Diego area as a teacher at All Saints’ Episcopal School and later at Chula Vista Elementary School. Duncan holds a bachelor’s from California State University, Chico, and a master’s in cross-cultural teaching and education from National University. She earned her Administrative Services Credential from USC.
Superintendent Wendy Sinnette discussed Duncan’s hiring process.
“The interview process was arduous with both a technical and instructional panel on the initial round and an extensive writing exercise,” said Sinnette. “Both panels felt that Ms. Duncan had solid knowledge of the position from a comparable district, a kind and empathetic demeanor, and that she demonstrated she would be an excellent fit for LCE.
“In the second round of interviews, her enthusiasm to join our district as the LCE principal inspired confidence for her future success,” she added. “I look forward to welcoming Kelly to the district and working with her as a part of our leadership team.”
Duncan expressed her excitement to join the LCE community.
“I am thrilled and honored to have been selected as the new La Cañada Elementary principal and to work with all of you to ensure that the LCE Lions continue to flourish,” said Duncan. “As a student-focused leader, I value collaboration to achieve the best outcomes possible for our school community and our students as unique learners. I’m excited to team with LCE’s outstanding staff and build upon their strong foundation.”
The position appointment will be effective on July 5.
First published in the June 15 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
