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Superintendent & Leadership

Marianna Vinson
Superintendent
Administrative Assistant and Communications Specialist | Michelle Flores
 
Marianna Vinson is a first-generation college graduate who started her teaching career in San Diego county after graduating from Stanford University.  After receiving advanced degrees from San Diego State University and National University, Marianna became a principal and then a district leader, including serving as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for a district in Riverside County.  In 2014 Marianna was hired by the White House to serve as Deputy Director for the Office of English Language Acquisition at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington D.C.  During that appointment she led English Learner services for the nation and was involved in the reauthorization of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  Marianna later served as a consultant and coach for InnovateEd, building culture, capacity and coherence in school districts across the state, before joining Lemon Grove in July 2020.  
 
 
 
Rebecca Burton
Executive Director - Special Education & Student Services
Confidential Administrative Secretary II | Priscila Leyva
 
Rebecca Burton has worked as a district special education leader for 7 years, and her favorite part of this work is collaborating and working with all team members to achieve wonderful things for our students and families, especially our most vulnerable students. Her work in education started as a teacher at a small special education school in Baja, California in 2006, where she also was a house parent for students with special needs. This really incredible time gave her the spark and passion for learning how to support all learners, all people, from any background; so she eventually went back to LA to earn a Master's in Special Education and Education Specialist credential. From there, she spent most of her years teaching middle school and high school, both as a General Education teacher and Special Education teacher, doing anything from mod-sev programs to co-teaching in high school ELA. She transitioned into district leadership in 2014, because she saw an opportunity to be an advocate for school educators of all roles, so that together, they could build work spaces that work better for all students. She really looks forward to getting to know our team, students and families here in Lemon Grove! In her spare time, you will find her reading like a maniac, going to parks with her husband Joe, daughter Sadie, and their dogs, and on a special occasion getting out for some horseback riding. 
Dr. Tomas Chavez
Executive Director - Human Resources
Confidential Administrative Secretary II Lelya Hulse
 
Dr. Tomas Chavez grew up in the Lemon Grove community. He graduated from Morse High School and received his teaching credential, administrative credential, and Masters in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University.  Dr. Chavez began his career in education as a middle school math and science teacher at EJE Academies Charter School, a dual immersion school in El Cajon.  He then transitioned into various roles supporting teachers and staff that included Instructional Coach, Data & Assessment Coordinator, Assistant Principal and Principal.  He was the founding principal of Imagine Schools Riverside County, a dual immersion bilingual charter school that serves the Hemet and San Jacinto community.  Dr. Chavez relocated back to San Diego and joined the Lemon Grove School District team as the principal of Mt. Vernon Elementary School where he has spent the last year implementing the vision of providing 21st century learning experiences while fostering caring relationships for our students. As a collaborative and servant school leader, Dr. Chavez has three basic principles: 1) put students first, 2) serve the needs of the community, 3) foster a welcoming and positive environment for our students and families.  He aspires to a district culture of high expectations that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism.
Tiana Barton
Chief Business Official (CBO)
Confidential Administrative Secretary II | Lacy Richardson
 
Tiana Barton is the Chief Business Official (CBO) for the Lemon Grove School District. She holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor's degree from California State University, San Bernardino. Tiana is a certified CBO through the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), where she currently serves as the Vice President of Networking and previously co-chaired the Purchasing Professional Council for San Diego/Imperial County. Tiana has also served as a board member of the North County Educational Purchasing Consortium (NCEPC).
 
With nearly a decade of school business experience, Tiana has held fiscal and operational leadership roles in the Del Mar Union and Murrieta Valley school districts. She is dedicated to serving the Lemon Grove community by supporting the exceptional educational environment with innovative, well-informed business strategies and is committed to fostering strong community partnerships.

Southern California natives, originally from San Bernardino County, Tiana and her husband currently reside in North County San Diego. Their adult son, Justin, lives nearby and works as a videographer for a Harley racing parts company. In addition to being motorcycle enthusiasts, the family enjoys off-road jeeping and random forest adventures.