Superintendent & Leadership

 

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.  

 

 

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 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).