Lemon Grove Introduces Two Assistant Principals; Board Offers Welcomes
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Summary
Superintendent Vincent introduced Sarah Ortuno as assistant principal at Vista La Mesa Academy and Juan Cortez Garibaldi as assistant principal at Lemon Grove Academy Middle School. Both described personal ties to the community and commitments to equity, relationship‑building and student supports.
The Lemon Grove School District board on Sept. 9 introduced two recently hired assistant principals and invited brief remarks and board welcomes.
Sarah Ortuno, introduced as the new assistant principal at Vista La Mesa Academy, described nine years in education, a master's in educational leadership and local roots in Lemon Grove. She told the board she is "committed to fostering meaningful connections with students, families, and colleagues to ensure we are working together with the best interest of our students," and cited her family history with the Lemon Grove incident as a motivating legacy for equitable schooling.
Juan Cortez Garibaldi, the new assistant principal at Lemon Grove Academy Middle School, recounted his background growing up in San Diego, earlier struggles in middle school and a career that led from social work to education. He said he aims to be a role model for students from similar backgrounds and thanked the superintendent and trustees for the opportunity.
Trustees welcomed both leaders, praised their lived experience and community ties, and invited them to engage with students and staff. The introductions were informal; no board action was required.