Prop47-Program Staff

PUSD employs a collaborative approach to develop all project programs. The Project Director works closely with key district personnel, community-based organizations, and juvenile justice partners dedicated to comprehensive, integrated, community-wide programs aimed at expanding PUSD’s capacity to effectively meet the needs of juveniles in the criminal justice system

Key personnel include current PUSD employees as well as community-based organizations who have been hired through this grant initiative.

Roles and responsibilities are included below:

Existing Key Positions who support our Prop 47 Grant

Dr. Brian McDonald Superintendent

Dr. Brian McDonald, Superintendent, , provides Executive Oversight of our P47 grant program and serves as the liaison between the district and the Board of Education, as well as all other external stakeholders. Under the tutelage of Dr. McDonald, PUSD has been recognized at the county and state level for implementing innovative programs and achieving results that are considered best practices in K-12 education.

Elizabeth J. Blanco, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer

Elizabeth J. Blanco, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer leads the instructional strategies for the District's students, implementing the District's instructional plan, and overseeing a variety of academic programs, including elementary and secondary instruction; special education; arts, gifted, and multilingual education; and curriculum, instruction and professional development.

Julianne Reynoso Project Director

Julianne Reynoso, Assistant Superintendent, serves as the Project Director.  She provides oversight and is responsible for the financial integrity of the grant as well as approval of all contracts. She oversees the Coordinating and Advisory Council (CAC) and supervises Lara Choulakian, the Mental Health Liaison, and the local evaluator. She reports all findings, including successes and progress, to the Superintendent, PUSD School Board, and CAC (community stake-holders).

Lara Choulakian, LCSW, Mental Health Coordinator

Lara Choulakian, LCSW, PUSD Mental Health Coordinator , oversees the day-to-day operations of PUSD's mental health program, which includes school-based mental health services conducted by both PUSD employees and community-based service providers. She participates in all training opportunities provided through the grant to become a certified Trainer-of-Trainers in the evidence-based programs implemented under the Prop 47 grant program.