At the SMMUSD Board of Education meeting on Sept. 19, the board approved the appointment of Ashley Zartner as an assistant principal, splitting time between Edison Language Academy and McKinley Elementary School. The board also approved Alix Pickett as the new assistant principal at Franklin Elementary School.
Zartner’s 10-plus years of educational experience specializes in instructional leadership and literacy development, focusing on data-driven practices and professional development for educators to improve student outcomes. She most recently served as assistant principal at The Accelerated School, helping implement systematic literacy and math interventions for grades K-5.
"Ms. Zartner brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational equity," SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton said. "Her ability to lead with data-driven strategies, foster collaboration, and prioritize student success aligns perfectly with the goals of [Edison and McKinley]. Her familiarity with the Spanish language will be a supportive feature for families at both schools. We are confident that her leadership will have a lasting, positive impact on our students and families."
While part of the leadership team at The Accelerated School, she also helped transition the school to Common Core Standards, and was lauded for her work supporting students with disabilities at the school.
"I am honored and excited to join SMMUSD," Zartner said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve students and their families alongside a team of individuals who value belonging and who prioritize equity. I look forward to contributing to the community and helping our students continue to thrive."
Pickett, the pick for Franklin, was recently involved in the UCLA Center X Math Project, facilitating professional development for Los Angeles Unified School District staff to enhance student experience in urban school sites. She also worked in Portland at Sunnyside Environmental School, aiding in implementation of restorative justice practices.
"Her dedication to creating positive, student-centered spaces, combined with her innovative approach to education, makes her an ideal fit for Franklin Elementary," Shelton said. "We look forward to her strong contributions toward student academic and social emotional success."
Pickett is also committed to student equity, including her time as principal of Hallinan Elementary School in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where she created an equity team to address "systemic inequities."
"I am honored to work with SMMUSD, whose mission includes closing the achievement gap, and I couldn’t be more excited to join the Franklin family," Pickett said. "I am eager to get started working alongside the dedicated educators and supportive community of this top-notch school."
The Sept. 19 board meeting also featured a presentation from Will Rogers Learning Community Principal Lila Daruty, who updated SMMUSD officials on the school site’s accomplishments. Successes include Will Rogers receiving a 2024-2025 Sprouts Healthy Community Foundation Grant in the amount of $10,000, in order to support instruction at the school’s Regenerative Farm site.
Another victory for Will Rogers came in the implementation of the Peacemaker Program, a peer mediation model that trains 4th and 5th grade students how to mediate low-to-mid level conflicts between their peers. Shelton added that the program has been "special" to see evolve over the past year.
thomas@smdp.com
