Principal's Message

My name is Irene Leon Santillan, and I have dedicated my career to early childhood education within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) since graduating high school. Over the past 24 years, I have held various roles, starting as an aide, progressing to teacher, director, and now serving as a Principal within the Early Childhood Education Division. I am both grateful and honored to work with preschool children, our youngest learners in LAUSD.

Throughout my career, I have committed myself to ensuring that every preschool student receives the high-quality early childhood education they deserve, setting the foundation for their academic success and future endeavors. I attribute my passion for excellence to the profound influence of my parents, who instilled in me the values of integrity, high moral standards, and a strong work ethic. These principles guide my work daily, as I strive to positively impact our students and families.

My greatest reward is witnessing the learning and development of our students. I hope to provide each child with a solid educational foundation that empowers them as they transition to their next stage of education, knowing that I contributed to their academic success. As I continue to serve the children of LAUSD, I am committed to being a positive role model, inspiring our youngest learners, and serving the families of the Lincoln Heights community.

In closing, I would like to share a quote by Forest Witcraft: "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."