Story Created:
Feb 25, 2009 at 7:58 PM PST
Story Updated:
Feb 25, 2009 at 7:58 PM PST
After 39 years of service to the El Monte Union High School District, Superintendent Kathy Furnald has announced her retirement effective July 1.
“It is with a great deal of mixed emotion that I submit my resignation after being employed in this great district as an educator/administrator for the past 39 years,” said Furnald. “The El Monte Union High School District is like home to me and I feel as though I am leaving home for the very first time.”
Born in Montebello and a 1965 graduate of Montebello High School, Furnald earned a bachelor’s degree in business education and a master’s degree in education from Cal State Los Angeles. She received administrative and pupil personnel credentials from the University of La Verne.
Furnald began her career with the El Monte Union High School District in 1970 as a business education teacher at Rosemead High School, where she was later named chairperson of the department. In 1980, she transferred to Mountain View High School, where she served as the career guidance coordinator for three years before being promoted to assistant principal of student activities.
In 1984, she assumed the position of assistant principal of student services at Arroyo High School, where a year later she was named assistant principal of instruction.
In 1988, Furnald was appointed El Monte High School principal and remained there until 1992, when she was promoted to assistant superintendent of personnel. She next became assistant superintendent of business before being promoted to superintendent in 2000.
“I have truly enjoyed all the positions I have been privileged to hold in this district and consider my appointment to the position of superintendent as one of the proudest moments of my life,” Furnald said. “My experience in working with three great school boards has only added to my enjoyment. Thank you for allowing me to serve this district and for such a wonderful, unforgettable and rewarding career.”
She attributes a lot of her success to her family and her late husband Don, who was her major support throughout her career.
Furnald has taught at Rio Hondo College and has been active in various professional education associations. She currently serves on the executive board of the Association of California School Administrators Region 15 as the director of charter presidents and is membership chair of the West San Gabriel Valley Administrator’s Association.
She also serves on the executive board of the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce, the El Monte Women’s Club, the El Monte Business and Professional Women’s Club, along with several other professional organizations.
“I have endeavored to consistently demonstrate equity, empathy and integrity in working with our students, the certificated, classified and administrative staff, parents and the greater community that the district encompasses,” Furnald said. “I consider the El Monte Union High School District to be one of the finest school districts in California with wonderful people who truly care about the students they serve.”
Furnald’s future plans include spending time with her two grandchildren, traveling, volunteer work, attending courses in fitness, cooking and computers, and home renovation and gardening.
Furnald has two children. Her daughter Kimberly is a kindergarten teacher and her son Donnie is a high school teacher and coach.
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