Marcia Reed

Principal, 186th Street Elementary School

Marcia Sidney-Reed is a proud product of the Los Angeles Unified School District with experience as a student, a playground supervisor, a teacher, a coordinator, and an administrator. She transitioned from the playground to the principalship making a difference in children’s lives in every step of the way. In every capacity of her involvement in the District, she has been a successful leader. Her track record of excellence tells a story of giving her best and bringing out the best in others.

Mrs. Reed is currently the Principal of 186th Street Elementary School. She received her professional training at the University of Southern California where she received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Education. She received her administrative credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Under Mrs. Reed’s leadership, 186th Street was awarded the prestigious California Gold Ribbon School Award and the California Distinguished School Award by the California Department of Education, a Title I Academic Achievement School Award, an Arts Banner School Award, an Honor Roll Award from the California Business for Education Excellence, a Golden Bell Award for Collaborative Community Partnerships from the California School Boards Association, and a National Award for Peace Collaboratives from the Peace First Organization. Mrs. Reed was awarded the 2016 National Distinguished Principal’s Award for the state of California, the 2017 Presidential Award from the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles, and she traveled to Japan to serve as the keynote speaker for the University of Toyama’s Global Educational Summit.

Mrs. Reed serves as an advisory board member for the International Children’s Choir, which consists of children ages 5 to 17 dressed in authentic costumes spreading the messages of love, peace, and friendship around the world in song and dance. She serves on the Access Books Advisory Board, the CalTeach Education Board, the #JugLife Water Foundation Board, and the Natasha Watley Foundation Advisory Board. She has always had an unwavering commitment to community service and helping students dream big.

Mrs. Reed attributes her success in life to two wonderful parents, a great team of caring mentors, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She lives in Long Beach, California with her husband Marty, and she is the proud mother of three young adult children, Maree, Marques, and Marti. They are known as the "Mar" Reed family. She firmly believes “every child deserves a golden opportunity and every golden opportunity deserves a child; the opportunity is waiting for a courageous leader to just ask.”