Somewhat of a homecoming for Burbank High’s new principal

Glendale High Associate Principal Mike Bertram will leave the Nitros this summer to become Burbank High School’s new principal.

One of 20 people who applied for the position, Bertram replaces current principal Hani Youssef, who was recently appointed as director of student services for Burbank Unified.

Bertram comes with 25 years of experience as an educator, having also worked for South Pasadena and La Canada school districts.

He isn’t new to Burbank Unified either.

From 2001 through 2008, Bertram worked as a high school assistant principal.

For the past five years, Bertram has served as either an associate or assistant principal for school in Glendale Unified, and he said he is looking forward to returning to Burbank.

“I have missed the Burbank high school community. I have missed it a lot,” he said.
But Bertram’s experience long before he landed in Burbank also pleased the administrators who hired him.

“When you look at Michael, you can see that leadership and service were a part of his career from early on,” said Emilio Urioste, director of secondary education for Burbank schools. “He was an Eagle Scout and that says a lot.”

Shortly after Burbank educators announced Bertram’s new post last week, Bertram promised he would work with staff at Burbank High to “raise the bar a little higher.”

“I’ve always been a service leader and I’ll continue that way,” he said.

-- Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com

Follow on Twitter: @kellymcorrigan.