Magnolia Leadership News
As Magnolia Public Schools looks toward its 17th year of providing families throughout Southern California with a high-quality public school choice in their neighborhoods, we reflect on a journey that has had both highs and challenging periods but has led to long-lasting growth.
June 18, 2018
Dear Magnolia Family and
Friends,
As Magnolia Public Schools looks toward its 17th
year of providing families throughout Southern California with a high-quality
public school choice in their neighborhoods, we reflect on a journey that has
had both highs and challenging periods but has led to long-lasting growth. Through
it all, we have remained true to our mission
to prepare students to succeed in college through a rigorous academic program
while reinforcing core values through character development to cultivate
respect for self and others. We develop scientific thinkers who go on to
contribute to the global community.
On the organizational side, Magnolia has never been
stronger. Dr. Caprice Young came on board to help us navigate serious external
challenges, and in the process, she strengthened our internal organizational
procedures as well. Her leadership also generated our partnerships with the
Wallis Performing Arts Center, the Los Angeles County Arts Collective, Mount
Wilson Observatory Foundation and The Carnegie Institution for Science: The Observatories. When she decided to step down as CEO and
Superintendent of Magnolia Public Schools at the end of the 2017-18 school
year, we took very seriously the process of finding a suitable replacement. We worked
together with Dr. Young to ensure that we’re handing the baton over to a new
leader who will help build upon the foundation she’s created to achieve even
better outcomes for our students.
We are thrilled to announce that the board has
selected former Magnolia Chief External Officer Alfredo Rubalcava to become the
organization’s new CEO and Superintendent! The board approved the contract
after a thorough search process that included interviewing several highly
qualified candidates. Mr. Rubalcava will begin in the position effective July
1.
As many of you know, Mr. Rubalcava was one of
Magnolia’s founding teachers and is universally respected in our organization.
He helped our team successfully compete to start an LAUSD Public Choice school
in the City of Bell, later stepping up to become the principal of that school,
Magnolia Science Academy 8. He has a deep respect for parents, leading the
creation of Magnolia’s parent organizing group that is so vital to student
success. Last year, he answered the call of the California Charter Schools Association
to join their team and help advance the statewide charter movement. Now, he
will be coming back to his Magnolia family with his strong leadership, sound
judgment and intimate knowledge of our organization, culture and values.
Dr. Young is committed to ensuring that Mr.
Rubalcava is set up for success. She stands ready to serve as an advisor to Magnolia
as needed to support a smooth transition for the new CEO, the board and the
entire Magnolia community.
Looking back on our previous four
years at Magnolia, we are proudest of our students’ character, values and
drive, which has led to excellent academic accomplishments. Our students come
in every day and give it their best, working hard and availing themselves of
all the programs and scholastic opportunities, knowing a solid educational
foundation is the key to a fulfilling future.
Our students continue Magnolia’s
amazing graduation streak and we are so proud of what they’ve accomplished!
This year, 98 percent of Magnolia’s seniors were accepted to college and 87
percent graduated with the qualifications to attend a UC/CSU institution of
higher education! Our graduates are heading off to universities such as UCLA,
UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, CSUN, CSU Channel Islands and Cal Poly Pomona.
The
2017-18 school year marks the 11th year in a row that Magnolia schools have
been recognized by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & World Report named
three Magnolia high schools among the top 6 percent of public schools in the
nation. Magnolia’s enrollment continues to steadily grow to meet the strong demand
for our program.
We’re proud
that these data points validate that Magnolia is consistently
providing a high-quality, college-going learning environment for all of its students.
You have entrusted us with your children’s future and we will not let you down.
Please join us in welcoming
Alfredo. Magnolia stands on a solid foundation and we would not be here without
you. The dedication, hard work and commitment of all our families, teachers,
staff and leaders is why we are thriving today and why the future is bright for
Magnolia. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Caprice Young Saken
Sherkhanov
CEO and Superintendent Chair,
Board of Directors
Magnolia Public Schools Magnolia Public Schools