Petrossian Leaves GUSD; Fundukian Appointed New Assistant Superintendent
June 24, 2008

On Tuesday, June 24th, Glendale residents and community based organizations filled the GUSD Board chambers to show their appreciation to  Alice Petrossian  for her 3 decades of service and to congratulate Katherine Fundukian on her new position as Assistant Superintendent.

Alice Petrossian, who began her career in education in 1970, has worked tirelessly to implement new programs and plans in the school district.  As Assistant Superintendent, her duties included directing bilingual education and bringing together a diverse community through education within Glendale. Currently, Petrossian serves on the State Joint Committee to Develop a Master Plan for Education as well as, the California Education Round Table Intersegmental/Coordinating Committee. She will leave her post at GUSD tobecome the chief academic officer at the Pasadena Unified School District.

Dr. Fundukian, Petrossian’s predecessor, has served as principal of Glendale High School since 2005 and has 23 years of experience in education. While maintaining her position as principal of Glendale High School, Fundukian has continuously contributed to the Armenian- American community through various organizations including the Armenian Cultural Foundation. Furthermore, she has served as Assistant Principal and grade level coordinator at Diamond Bar High School in the Walnut Valley District. Fundukian has also attended the Principal’s Center at Harvard University and is currently a Senior Associate for the California School Leadership Academy.

Some of the community organizations present at the meeting included the Armenian National Committee – Glendale Chapter, The Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen Ararat Chapter, St. Mary’s Armenian Church of Glendale, Armenian Youth Federation, and AGBU Generation Next.

While thanking Ms. Petrossian and congratulating Ms. Fundukian for her newly appointed position, Elen Asatryan, Executive Director of ANC-Glendale noted, “For more than 30 years, Mrs. Petrossian, has been working to improve the quality of education in our public schools.  As a specialist in bilingual education she has helped tailor the curriculum to fit the needs of those who are working to accommodate to a new language and a new society. We’re truly saddened to see her leave.”

Fundukian will officially take her position as Assistant Superintendent on July 1, 2008.

The Armenian National Committee-Glendale Chapter advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the city's Armenian American community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels. It is the voice of this vibrant community, which seeks to advance and enrich Glendale.

####