HomeKassam-Clay Joins SMHS as Assistant Principal

Kassam-Clay Joins SMHS as Assistant Principal

Photo courtesy SMUSD
Carlos Kassam-Clay was recently hired to fill the position of assistant principal of curriculum, instruction and guidance at San Marino High School.

Carlos Kassam-Clay, who until recently served as assistant principal at South Pasadena Middle School, has been hired as assistant principal of curriculum, instruction and guidance at San Marino High School, local education officials announced.
He replaces Soomin Chao, who in July was introduced as the new principal at Arlene Bitely Elementary School in Rosemead.
Kassam-Clay, whose first day on the job was Tuesday, grew up in Fresno and went to UC Davis for his undergraduate education. After college, he taught in middle school in Miami for two years before moving to Philadelphia to earn a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Kassam-Clay then taught Advanced Placement and international baccalaureate economics and history at the high school level in Philadelphia and at an independent school in Mexico City. He received his educational leadership credential through Johns Hopkins University in 2015 and became dean of students at the American School Foundation High School in Mexico City. In both of his administrative positions, Kassam-Clay handled student discipline, attendance and intervention programs, including developing a social-emotional wellness program.
He and his family moved to Southern California three years ago.
“I am very excited to be back at the high school level and working with Principal Jason Kurtenbach,” Kassam-Clay said.
For the time being, the district will fill not fill a second assistant principal position at SMHS that has traditionally involved oversight of athletics, activities and discipline. Longtime San Marino educator David Irie has been assigned to the newly created role of director of student experiences. Irie will continue as athletic director and will also oversee activities, the Associated Student Body, wellness and the overall student experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to San Marino Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Wilson, who cited budgetary concerns. That assistant principal position opened up in May, when Jorge Muñoz moved to Arcadia High School, where he is one of its four assistant principals.

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