CCUSD's Baxter to become next South Pasadena Unified Superintendent

Culver City Unified School District is set to lose another high-level administrator this summer.

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Angela Baxter has been selected as the next Superintendent for the South Pasadena School District (SPUSD) starting July 1. Baxter is the second administrator to announce their departure from the school after current CCUSD Superintendent Dr. Brian Lucas announced his departure last month.

"I am honored to lead South Pasadena Unified School District, a highly-regarded school district recognized for its impressive array of programs, strong community support, stellar academic achievement, and unique small-town pride," Baxter said in a statement to SPUSD. "Together, we will continue to prioritize student safety and wellness, foster an inclusive culture, and promote innovative solutions that ensure excellence for all our students."

A District's Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services is generally responsible for implementing and managing instructional programs and curricula within the District. They are also involved with other Board of Education matters and give direct input on implementing the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), two components critical to the District's operations.

These positions generally require candidates to have a Master's or Doctorate Degree, with Baxter having a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Baxter has been with CCUSD since being hired as the Director of Teaching and Learning in 2021 and was promoted to her current position for the following school year.

"Dr. Angela Elizondo Baxter has an impeccable reputation for integrity, advancing equitable outcomes for all students, fostering positive labor relations, and building strong community partnerships," Culver City Unified School Board of Education President Triston Ezidore said. "Dr. Baxter's impact and work ethic have been deeply felt throughout our District, cultivating a learning environment that is healthy, inclusive, and high performing."

Baxter was chosen out of a pool of more than 30 candidates after "two long days of interviewing," according to SPUSD Board of Education President Karen Tamis. She will replace the current SPUSD superintendent — Dr. Geoff Yantz — who will retire on June 30.

"She greatly impressed us with her knowledge, expertise, leadership experience, and advocacy for all children," Tamis said. "I am confident Dr. Baxter will swiftly build respect and trust with our learning community."

Baxter's departure date coincides with the expected appointment of the new superintendent at CCUSD and the start of the 25-26 Fiscal year. It is currently unknown if the District will employ a firm to conduct a search to fill the vacancy.