Board Members

The five members of the Board of Education are elected by the voters and are committed to providing the best educational programs for all students. The Board is responsible for overall operation of the District. Board of Education meetings are normally held the second Tuesday of each month. All regular meetings are open to the public. Copies of the agenda are posted at each school site, at the Lemon Grove School District Office, and on the District’s website prior to each meeting.

	Dr. Javier Ayala Board President Email: [email protected] Term ends: December 2026 Dr. Javier Ayala has two children who attended the Lemon Grove School District and progressed to Helix High School. As a college leader with a PhD in Education, he specializes in human development, emphasizing evidence-based research. Dr. Ayala is passionate about promoting a growth mindset, science literacy, and integrating STEM into educational curricula. Additionally, he has a child currently in elementary school within the Lemon Grove education system. Dr. Ayala is also the author of "Lifespan Leadership," a book dedicated to fostering leadership across different life stages. Furthermore, he serves as a board member of the East County Chamber of Commerce, aligning with his commitment to community development and support.

	Ms. Dorinda Miller Board Member Email: [email protected] Term ends: December 2026 Dorinda Miller has 20 years of corporate and non-profit business development experience. She is a member of the Lemon Grove Historical Society and Friends of the Lemon Grove Library. She serves on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Memorial Society and is the Director of Business Development for the Identity Theft Resource Center. Her philosophy of education is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Her passion is supporting activities that empower youth to sustain meaningful relationships, develop a positive self-image, and respect their and others’ cultural identities.

	Mrs. Yajaira Preciado Board Vice President Email: [email protected] Term ends: December 2028 Yajaira Preciado grew up in Lemon Grove. She attended San Miguel School, Lemon Grove Middle School, and Helix Charter School. Mrs. Preciado earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University. She has two beautiful Lemon Grove Learners with her now husband and best friend since 3rd grade. In 2015, Mrs. Preciado began her tenure with the Lemon Grove School District as a Parent Volunteer Coordinator at Monterey Heights School. Prior to this, she worked for the YWCA of San Diego as a case manager for Becky's House Transitional Housing, a program advocating for women and children who have survived domestic violence. Mrs. Preciado's accolades include volunteering for the PTA, School Site Council, ELAC, and the Lemon Grove Little League. During her time on the Governing Board, her focus is to create a culture of collaboration where all employees, parents, students, and the community are partners in shaping the schools Lemon Grove students deserve.

	Mrs. Jasmin Smith Board Clerk Email: [email protected] Term ends: December 2026 Jasmin Smith is a God Fearing, Mother, Wife, Community Volunteer, First Generation Graduate, and Career driven professional. She obtained her first degree in Liberal Arts, a Bachelors in Technical Management, and Masters in Human Resources. She has spent the last 13 years working in Post Secondary Education with 8 of those years in a servant leadership position. Four of her five children have attended Lemon Grove Elementary, three have since transitioned to Lemon Grove Middle, and one has moved on to Helix Charter High School. During those years, Jasmin has participated in PTA, School Site Council, Campus and Community Beautification, Lemon Grove Annual Chess Tournament, and Focus group initiatives. Jasmin’s vision, during her time on the board, is to afford our students the experiences that are inclusive, cultivating, supportive of individualism, and empowering to all district’s children, community, and educators. In addition, Jasmin carries a belief that exposure and hands-on opportunities in safe, fun, environments supports the strategic mission of limitless Lemon Grove learners and aids in shaping their foundation of becoming successful, empathic, and contributing citizens. Jasmin is looking forward to interacting with our families, building relationships with our educators, learning the uniqueness of each campus, and engaging with the talented students within our district.

	Mrs. Sarina Tortoriello Board Member Email: [email protected] Term ends: December 2026 Sarina Tortoriello is a wife, homeowner, business owner, and mother of two boys who have attended district schools. Her family relocated to Lemon Grove in 2021. She has been an engaged member of her children’s school communities, volunteering regularly and supporting efforts that promote student safety, inclusive environments, and equitable access for students with diverse learning needs. She is especially passionate about strengthening systems that support special education and student well-being. Professionally, Sarina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and maintains her Project Management Professional (PMP) credential and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. For over a decade, she has supported C-level and Vice President-level executives across technology, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Sarina also serves as a board member of Tabi Moms and has mentored through the Year Up and Conviction and Sentence Alternatives (CASA) programs. Her vision for her time on the Board is to foster trust and alignment across school sites, educators, administration, and families so that all students have access to safe, equitable, and high-quality learning environments. She is committed to serving with integrity and accountability.