Lemon Grove speakers urge board to prioritize transparency in superintendent search; interviews held in closed session

The Lemon Grove School District Governing Board met in a special session on May 29, 2024. Public commenters called on the board to recommit to transparency and stakeholder inclusion in the district's superintendent search, and the board later moved into closed session to conduct interviews, reporting no action after reconvening.

Julie Jones, identified in the record as principal of San Miguel Elementary, opened public comment by describing her attachment to the community and urging the board to reaffirm shared values. "I love Lemon Grove. I love the community. I love the people. I love the school district. More specifically, I love San Miguel," Jones said, adding she stood before the board "asking for recommitment to those values during this process of hiring a Superintendent."

Angela Villa, listed as a teacher at San Miguel Elementary, told the board that community schools depend on stakeholder involvement and said transparency gives staff and parents an opportunity to participate. "We need to see that those things that we felt were important to address are being considered when we're picking a candidate," Villa said, noting staff had been given a chance to speak at school visits.

Melvetta Owens, identified as director of the Early Childhood Education Center, said she has served in multiple district schools and asked the board to follow through on its pledge to include "all stakeholders, staff, and community members in the next steps of the process of hiring the best Superintendent for the best school district."

Before public comment, the board approved the meeting agenda. Cheryl Robertson moved to approve the agenda; Dorinda Miller seconded. The motion carried, with the minutes recording a unanimous yea vote from the five members present: Dr. Javier Ayala, Dorinda Miller, Yajaira Preciado (Board Clerk), Cheryl Robertson and Jasmin Smith. The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m.; the board adjourned to closed session for superintendent interviews at 6:28 p.m.

The closed session was held for "Personnel Actions (Government Code § 54957) - Superintendent Interviews," according to the agenda. The board resumed open session at 10:22 p.m. and stated that no action was taken in closed session. The meeting adjourned at 10:22 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Approve agenda. Mover: Cheryl Robertson. Second: Dorinda Miller. Outcome: Approved unanimously (Dr. Javier Ayala; Dorinda Miller; Yajaira Preciado; Cheryl Robertson; Jasmin Smith).

Why it matters

Hiring a superintendent determines the district's leadership and priorities. Speakers at the meeting — including a principal, a classroom teacher and the early-childhood director — emphasized that the board's commitment to stakeholder input and transparency will shape staff and community trust in the process. The board conducted interviews in closed session under the statutory personnel exception and reported no formal action at the meeting's close.

What’s next

The transcript does not record subsequent steps or a timeline for selecting or appointing a superintendent; the board did not announce further public meetings or decisions during the session.