San Diego Unified School District Interim Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Trustee Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, school students and members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority this week unveiled new signage for the Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary School in a celebratory fashion to conclude Women’s History Month.

Dr. Pendleton in 1993 became the first woman, and first African American to serve as Superintendent for San Diego Unified until her term ended in 1998.

“As the current Superintendent of San Diego Unified, I am only here because Dr. Pendleton broke barriers and shattered glass ceilings,” said Dr. Bagula. “Bertha Pendleton created the space and opportunity for a young Latina girl who dreamed of being a schoolteacher to believe she too could one day lead this District. I am proud that our community and District has chosen to honor Dr. Pendleton’s legacy by renaming this school in her honor.”

“Dr. Bertha Pendleton’s character, courage and leadership are the qualities we hope to instill in our students who attend this school, and every school throughout our District,” said Trustee Whitehurst-Payne. “Our school district and community are better off today because Dr. Pendleton spent four decades educating children here in San Diego. We are grateful for her contributions, and I am happy we can recognize her contributions this way.”

The San Diego community led an effort in 2023 to rename Henry Clay Elementary in Rolando, and after a robust engagement effort, the name selected was Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary School, and received unanimous support from the San Diego Unified Board of Trustees. Until this unveiling ceremony, temporary signage with the name Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary School was being used. The elementary school is scheduled to be renovated as part of the District’s bond program in 2026.

Dr. Pendleton’s son Gregory Pendleton attended on her behalf and during the ceremony said, “This ceremony in honor of my mom, is the culmination of a chapter of service and accomplishments for her community. My mom lived her life on three principles, her faith in God, her commitment to family and

selfless service to her community. Education was her tool of choice in that service. When you are focused on service to others, this can create a chain reaction that can change many lives directly or indirectly through others. My mom mentored and supported many on their own journey of service. Because that’s what selfless service is, supporting others in a way not looking for a return, but for them to pay it forward in support of others. So, on this day I would like to extend my family’s heartfelt appreciation for honoring my mother Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton with the renaming of this school. Dr. Bertha O. Pendleton Elementary. Thank you.”

One of the community-based organizations that was very supportive of the school’s name change is the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc.® Dr. Pendelton is an AKA. Members of the local chapter, Epsilon Xi Omega, hosted a pre-ceremony reception in the school’s auditorium where there was a continental breakfast, a program to include performances by students honoring Dr. Pendelton, a video message from D. Pendleton and fellowship amongst those in attendance.

“The impact of Dr. Bertha Pendleton’s work extends far beyond the classroom. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and the first female and the first African American selected as the Superintendent of the SDUSD; she has shaped the very fabric of our community, championing representation and ensuring access to quality education for all. We are incredibly proud of the renaming of this elementary school after Dr. Bertha Pendleton,” said Nichole Starr Jordan, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Incorporated® Far Western Regional Director.

“Dr. Bertha Pendleton is a shining example of an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman. She provided exemplary leadership as president of the San Diego chapter of AKA, Epsilon Xi Omega, from 1981 to 1984. She committed her life to the betterment of education for all children and upheld our motto of ‘Service to All Mankind.’ We are proud to call her our sorority sister,” added Deborah Davis-Gillespie, president, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter, San Diego. 

Dr. Pendleton was born in the segregated South and distinguished herself as a trained scientist and passionate educator. 

Pendleton, who grew up in segregated Alabama, was the valedictorian of her high school class, earned a degree in biology from Knoxville College and graduated with honors. She started what would be a 40-year career in San Diego Unified as a teacher at Memorial Junior High in 1957 and worked as a counselor and administrator in various roles before becoming superintendent in 1993.

Under her leadership, she pushed for smaller class sizes, better reading programs and zero-tolerance policies for violence. She also opened 14 new schools.

(Courtesy photo)