Burroughs High gets new principal

Deborah Madrigal will take the helm of John Burroughs High School in December, Burbank educators announced this past Thursday during a meeting of the Burbank Unified school board.

She replaces John Paramo, who is now director of secondary education for the district. Her first day will be Dec. 1.

Madrigal was hired after a “rigorous” interview process and was one of three candidates selected who earned a second interview before being hired, he added.

On Thursday, Paramo presented her with a red-and-white T-shirt and red sweatshirt.

“Red’s now my favorite color,” she said. “I’m very excited to get to know parents, staff, students, faculty and everybody at the school, and it’s going to be a great year, and I’m looking forward to wonderful things.”

Madrigal, a graduate of Covina High School, has more than 30 years of experience as an educator, 17 of those years as a special-education teacher.

She’s also worked as an assistant principal of curriculum at Baldwin Park High School and principal of Franklin High School in Highland Park.