Dear SPUSD Community,

As we approach the end of this school year, we are preparing to bid farewell to Superintendent Geoff Yantz, who will be retiring after nearly 12 years of dedicated service to South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD).

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Yantz has exemplified the leadership that our community deserves. His unwavering commitment to upholding the mission and values of SPUSD has been evident in all of his work. Our mission–providing challenging and relevant curriculum and formative experiences, recognizing and valuing diversity, ensuring emotionally and physically safe environments with qualified and caring adults, and fostering growth in every child–demonstrates living principles that have helped guide our District under his stewardship.

SPUSD schools are flourishing as vibrant, welcoming environments where every child can thrive. This deep commitment to inclusivity, a core value championed by Dr. Yantz and SPUSD employees, not only fosters a sense of safety and belonging but also lays the foundation for meaningful learning and achievement across academic, social, and emotional domains. This investment has yielded positive outcomes, as our culture of acceptance and understanding has been instrumental in helping our children develop into compassionate, well-rounded individuals who will contribute positively to our community and the larger world.

Our staff and faculty work diligently every day to create spaces where families from diverse backgrounds and circumstances feel valued and supported. In a broader society that can feel divided and uncertain, the District strives to help young people think critically, solve problems, treat each other with kindness, and learn to understand different perspectives, as described in the SPUSD Strategic Plan outlining our Vision, Mission, and Core Values.

As Dr. Yantz embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his years of service, dedication, and the lasting impact he has made on the South Pasadena community. We wish him joy, fulfillment, and wonderful adventures in this new chapter of his life.

While we will deeply miss his guidance and wisdom, we look forward to welcoming our new superintendent, Dr. Angela Elizondo Baxter. This transition represents an exciting opportunity to build upon the strong foundation that has been established while bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to continue our District's tradition of educational excellence. As always, we welcome you to attend and contribute to the SPUSD Board meetings or view the recordings.

Thank you all for your continued support of our schools and our shared mission to provide the best possible education for our children. 

Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025! 

Have a wonderful and restful summer.

With gratitude,

Karen Tamis
President
South Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education