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Simi Valley Unified announces five new elementary principals, nominees speak to community
Summary
The Simi Valley Unified School District board announced five recommended elementary principals — for Parkview, Catherine, Crestview, Atherwood and Township — and invited each to address the public. Appointments were accepted by the district earlier in closed session; new principals outlined goals for continuity and community partnerships.
The Simi Valley Unified School District on Tuesday introduced the five educators it recommends to lead elementary schools next year, and each addressed board members, staff and families during the public session. The district reported that the board had accepted the district’s recommendations in closed session earlier in the evening.
Alicia Lurie, introduced by district staff as Parkview Elementary’s recommended principal, told the trustees she was “incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next principal of Parkview Elementary,” and pledged to “support both educators and students in every way possible.” Lurie said she has served Parkview as a literacy coach for four years and described the school community as “supportive, inspiring, and dedicated.”
Melissa Estrada, presented as Catherine Elementary’s top candidate and introduced by the district as a longtime district graduate and literacy coach, said she was honored to take up the principal role and to “work side by side with the teachers, staff, and families of Catherine” to close achievement gaps and set attainable site goals.
Annette Babacanian, introduced as Crestview’s recommended principal after service as an assistant principal at Simi Valley High School, thanked trustees and said she looked forward to supporting Crestview students and families.
Shay Lundstrom, presented as the next principal at Atherwood Elementary, described herself as a Simi Valley product who has worked in the district for 25 years and said she was excited to bring new energy to her school site.
Erin Taggart, the district director of elementary education who will move back to a campus as Township Elementary’s next principal, told the board she looked forward to returning to “the heartbeat of a school” and pledged to honor Township’s culture while partnering with families and staff.
District leaders said the appointments reflect a process of staff engagement at school sites, including meetings with classified and certificated staff to identify candidates who would maintain or advance each school’s direction. The board’s public comments praised the principals and highlighted the value of continuity and strong community ties.
The board previously recorded motions accepting district recommendations for these appointments during a special May 12 meeting and in closed session earlier Tuesday; the public session served to formally introduce the principals to the community. The district did not announce additional personnel details or start dates during the meeting.
