F.A.C.E - Face Community Newsletter
July 15th, 2024
Marianna Vinson - Superintendent
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 - Deputy Superintendent - Special Education & Student Services
Rebecca has been an educator for 17 years, working mostly as a special education teacher in Title I districts in Los Angeles and San Diego county. Four years ago, Rebecca began working at Lemon Grove School District in San Diego County as the Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services, and she now serves as the Deputy Superintendent. During her time in public education, Rebecca has led launching Multi-Tiered Systems of Support across three different organizations, which have continued to grow and thrive to this day. Rebecca is deeply passionate about Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, and in particular PBIS, and ultimately building systems that function as equity champions for vulnerable student populations.
Dr. Tomas Chavez - Executive Director - Human Resources
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)
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 innovation, well-informed business strategies, and commitment 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.
Amy Fulinara - Executive Director - Educational Services
As a proud first-generation college student, Amy has dedicated her career to closing the opportunity gap for first-generation students, so that they can create transformational change in their own lives and communities. Prior to joining the Lemon Grove School District, Amy served as a secondary English teacher, Instructional Coach, and Middle School Principal in the South Los Angeles area. Amy joined the Lemon Grove School District as Coordinator of Educational Services where she led Lemon Grove's work in instructional coaching, curriculum adoption, culturally and historically responsive teaching, and universal design for learning. Amy is honored to now serve as the Executive Director of Educational Services.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and new puppy. She is powered by espresso, loves the outdoors, and has recently taken up learning the piano.
Thank you for your partnership! We look forward to a great year educating your children, engaging in commUNITY, and serving your family.
In partnership,
Joe Smith, M. Ed.
Servant Leader (Director), Community Schools & Family and Community Engagement
619.825.5601 Ext. 2617
Newsletter constructed by Eduardo Baza, Student Information System Specialist