The Burbank Unified School District announced this week the selection of Sarah Rudchenko as its new assistant superintendent of human resources.
Rudchenko has more than 30 years of experience as an educator in TK-12 public education, BUSD officials said. She joins Burbank from the Pasadena Unified School District where she most recently served as the interim chief human resources officer and director of human resources for the past five years.
“In these roles, Rudchenko built structures and systems to recruit, prepare and retain highly qualified employees needed to ensure students receive exceptional educational experiences. She actively seeks the best hires and ensures they are given resources and training that represent the highest standards in California education. Sarah demonstrates highly effective communication skills and develops positive relationships with all educational partners,” BUSD officials said in a statement.
Prior to working in human resources, Rudchenko was a substitute teacher, elementary teacher and curriculum resource teacher. Most notably, she served more than 15 years as a principal at both the elementary and middle school levels where she developed innovative programs and increased student achievement.
“Sarah brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience that are vital to the human resources department. She has a broad range of skills from curriculum and instruction, compliance and credentialing, to all aspects of employee relations and management. Her positive nature and enthusiasm for her work comes through in all she does. Her reputation as someone who listens to and respects the voices and opinions of others is critical as our new assistant superintendent of human resources,” BUSD officials said.
Rudchenko earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in education at UCLA. She earned her doctoral degree in educational leadership at Azusa Pacific University.
First published in the July 29 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
