Lemoncrest principal outlines academic, behavioral and attendance priorities, cites growing special‑education needs

Lemoncrest Elementary Principal Price told the Lakeside Union School District Board of Trustees on Monday that the school''s plan for student achievement centers on three priorities: academic progress, social‑emotional well‑being and student safety, and improving attendance. She said family engagement is also a district priority for the small campus.

"Our theme this year is planting possibilities," Price said as she described the school''s efforts to strengthen instruction and supports for students with complex needs. She said approximately 26 percent of Lemoncrest''s enrolled students receive special‑education services (including SDC, RSP and speech) and that students in the SDC moderate‑to‑severe program make up about 28 percent of that special‑education population.

Price said many students have experienced trauma that affects attention and regulation and that the school is taking multiple steps to address learning gaps. Steps include reviewing core curriculum choices (discussing whether to continue the current EL curriculum or return to Wonders), expanding training for instructional aides in SDC and transitional kindergarten, and using Prop. 28 arts funding to broaden access to music and visual arts.

To address behavior and social‑emotional needs, Price said Lemoncrest uses the Second Step curriculum across grades TK–5, holds monthly campus supervisor trainings, and is strengthening a "peaceful playgrounds" structure to reduce conflicts. She also described on‑site therapy partnerships with Wellness Together and San Diego Center for Children and said the school employs a full‑time counselor.

Price highlighted food‑security work with Feeding San Diego: "This is food that our families really do depend on," she said, thanking the nonprofit for providing recurring distributions to Lemoncrest families. She noted the school''s PTA growth and said family engagement remains uneven: her weekly newsletter sent through Infinite Campus and ClassDojo typically receives 100 to 200 views out of more than 400 families.

On attendance, Price said overall rates have improved and the school recognizes students and classes for strong attendance during monthly assemblies. She also outlined planned campus beautification projects pending district approval, including a garden and "peace path," a mural celebrating school values, and improvements to the front entrance to boost curb appeal.

Board members praised the presentation and thanked Price and Lemoncrest staff for their work.

Price framed the multi‑pronged effort as long‑term work: "The challenges that we're facing didn't just pop up overnight, and they won't disappear overnight either. But with steady effort, teamwork, and the support of our district leadership and our board, I know that we're moving in the right direction."