Matthew Pendrak to lead Los Lunas Elementary

LOS LUNAS — Matthew Pendrak, previously the assistant principal of Los Lunas Elementary, is passionate about LLE and leading the school as its new principal.

Pendrak found something special when he became a part of LLE and says the tight-knit community feels like family.

“It’s a very positive culture,”said Pendrak about LLE. “We’ve got our problems, like every school does, but I really feel like we have something special going on here.”

Before joining the Los Lunas Schools district, Pendrak was a music teacher in Amherst, N.Y., specializing in string instruments. He taught there for 21 years and served as director of orchestral activities and music department chairman.

“I started doing some administrative stuff during my teaching career and I always loved it, so I decided to do an online (administration) program through the University of Kansas and that’s where it really took off,” said Pendrak of his interest in school administration.

Pendrak replaces previous LLE principal Eric Tiger, who is now the principal of Los Lunas High School. He said learning he got the role of principal was probably one of the top moments in his life.

“I really, really wanted this and really felt like I could do a good job,” said Pendrak. “I can honestly say this is the best job I’ve ever had.”

Pendrak said going into the new year, he is looking forward to working with students and staff to advance the mission of Los Lunas Elementary.

“We have a very strong vision here of what we want for our kids, and I’m excited to lead us into that to make school an experience that not only makes students smarter, but turns them into the people they never thought they could be, but all of us as teachers, parents and administrators always knew they were capable of.”

Pendrak says he is thankful to everyone involved for the opportunity to lead LLE.

Deborah Elder, the district’s chief academic officer of instruction, accountability and innovation, says Pendrak has established himself as a competent and foresighted leader in his time at LLE.

“His communication and follow-through are appreciated by staff, students, families and colleagues,” said Elder. “I am confident that Mr. Pendrak will be an excellent leader for LLE.”