Arpi Avanesian as Principal

Shogher Shanoian to Serve as Assistant Principal

SHERMAN OAKS—The Board of Directors of the C & E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School announced the appointment of Arpi Avanesian-Idolor as the school’s new principal, effective July 1.

Joining her is Shogher Shanoian, who will remain in her new and expanded role as assistant principal. Shanoian will continue to serve as interim principal until Avanesian-Idolor formally assumes her new role.

With more than 20 years of experience in school leadership and a strong commitment to academic excellence and cultural inclusion, Avanesian-Idolor brings a wealth of expertise to Merdinian. Most recently, she served as an educational consultant, helping schools with strategic planning, staff development, accreditation, curriculum, and financial planning. Her work has strengthened dozens of institutions and advanced student-centered outcomes.

Previously, Avanesian-Idolor led AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School, overseeing a Pre-K–12 campus of 1,000 students. During her six-year tenure, she spearheaded enrollment increase, launched impactful cultural and academic initiatives, and implemented systems that improved teacher satisfaction and student achievement. She also served as director of the Los Angeles Family School, focusing on community engagement, fundraising, and strategic development.

Earlier in her career, she taught high school history at Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School before transitioning to administrative and advisory roles within LAUSD. There, she evaluated the curriculum, observed instruction, and led professional development efforts district-wide.

Avanesian-Idolor attended TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School and later served on its Educational Committee and Board of Trustees. She holds a B.A. in history and political science from the University of Southern California; an M.Ed. in educational, instructional, and curriculum supervision from California State University, Northridge; and a certification in early childhood special education from the University of California, Los Angeles.

“On behalf of the board, I could not be more confident that Avanesian-Idolor brings the knowledge, experience, and vision to help us navigate today’s and tomorrow’s educational landscape,” said Nerses Aposhian, chair of the Merdinian Board of Directors. “She is poised to set the school up for long-term success. We are also deeply grateful to Mrs. Shanoian for her incredible service. Together, they will form a strong and inspiring team to shape Merdinian’s bright future, and the board is excited about where Merdinian is headed.”