Public perceptions and the power of perseverance | Alfredo Resendiz

Public Perception & School Performance - Negative public perception of John Muir High School (MIR) as an inferior academic institution worsened in the mid-2000s, leading to middle-class families abandoning the school [1] - In 2007 and 2008, Pasadena Unified School District implemented a reconstitution, leading to over half of the teachers being replaced [1] - A 2024 documentary, "Can We All Get Along?", examines the history of MIR and suggests systemic classism and racism contributed to its standing [1] - In 2018, a partnership with Pasadena City College created an early college magnet program to attract middle-class families [1] - The hiring of Dr Lton Gray, a MIR alumnus, as principal in 2018, was pivotal in turning around the school's negative public perception [1] Strategies for Improvement - Dr Gray emphasized the "four C's": care, culture, commitment, and consistency, to improve the school [1] - Over 40 alumni were hired to foster a caring environment and strong campus culture [2][3] - Consistent community engagement and promotion of the school's colors and logos were implemented [4] Outcomes & Achievements - The school's population started to rise, with middle-class families returning [5] - MIR was recognized as one of the top schools in California regarding UC admission rates [5] - Despite challenges like fires displacing students, the school persevered [6] - MIR is projected to have the largest population of all high schools in Pasadena for the first time in over a hundred years [7]