In an impassioned inaugural speech at a recent Board of Education meeting, Burbank High School’s new principal — Narineh Barzegar — praised the school community in a warm greeting that ended with a resounding “let’s go Bulldogs!”
At the April 4 meeting, district leaders announced that Barzegar will take over the position as principal of BHS effective immediately, marking the first time an Armenian American woman will lead the school. Her predecessor, Julie Markussen, has been promoted to director of student services for the district.
“Ms. Barzegar embodies the values of our Burbank High School community and is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, equity and inclusivity for all learners, staff and families,” said Oscar Macias, BUSD director of equity, access and family engagement.
Barzegar is a 20-year Burbank Unified veteran.
She began her career in education in 2000 as an educational assistant in the Glendale Unified School District and joined BUSD in 2005 as a math teacher at John Burroughs High School.
During her 13 years at JBHS, Barzegar served as a Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment mentor teacher, a master teacher, and the math department chair. She held teaching positions at John Muir Middle School, BUSD Summer School and at John Burroughs High School.
For the past six years at BHS, Barzegar has held the positions of assistant principal of student services, guidance and special education, and curriculum and instruction. She earned a bachelor’s in applied mathematics from UCLA in 2004 and a master’s in educational administration from California State University, Northridge, in 2013.
“As I enter into the 20th year in my career at the Burbank Unified School District, I’m so honored to step into the role of principal at Burbank High School,” Barzegar said at the Board meeting.
She commented on her experience at the school, praising Burbank High faculty and staff, calling them “amazing and dedicated.” She also applauded the school’s parents.
“Our parent base is super involved and very supportive, and it speaks volumes about what we create and offer at BHS. There is deep tradition and a lot of pride,” Barzegar said.
After a year of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Barzegar told the Board that the school community has come a long way in building its school spirit and programs back since that time.
“There is a lot of good energy on campus right now. I look forward to building on this positive momentum and working with our stakeholders on continuous improvement and opportunities for our students.”
Board members each thanked Barzegar for stepping into the role. Board Vice President Armond Aghakhanian said he was moved that Barzegar would break through a barrier in becoming the first Armenian American woman to be principal at BHS.
“It’s a very proud moment for me. … I’ve seen your leadership and the way you carry yourself in difficult situations. I think you’re more than qualified, and I think we need someone like you to carry the legacy of the Bulldogs,” Aghakhanian, who is also Armenian American, told Barzegar at the meeting.
Superintendent John Paramo said that he and Barzegar started their careers in Burbank at the same time, adding that he has “total confidence” in her ability to lead Burbank High School.
“This is your moment,” he said, directing his comments to Barzegar. “What some people don’t know about you is that you have a rapport with kids that can only be rarely matched. I see how you interact with kids, and you love them. That’s why we hired you to be the principal at Burbank High School.”
First published in the April 13 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
