Hacienda La Puente Unified Kicks Off 2023-24 School Year with Administration Changes

Hacienda La Puente Unified’s Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez introduced long-time educational leaders Elizabeth Kane and Samuel Yi as the new principals at Orange Grove and Sierra Vista middle schools, respectively, during the July 27 Board meeting.

Kane began her educational career more than 20 years ago, serving as a teacher at numerous elementary schools across the District. Most recently, she held the position of assistant principal at Mesa Robles School for six years.

Kane said she is preparing for a successful school year where she will focus on creating relationships and supporting the growth of educational and extracurricular experiences for all students, staff and the Ocelot community.

Yi has worked in education for more than 14 years and has served as the assistant principal at Workman High School for five years. During this time as a Lobo, he oversaw curriculum, instruction, counseling discipline and attendance.

In Yi’s welcome message to the Vikings community, he shared that he is excited to get to know the new and returning students, staff and families and looks forward to building new relationships, inspiring student success and continuing to move Sierra Vista Middle School forward. 

Additionally, the District appointed Lisa Mannino as the Interim Principal at Lassalette School. She has been a part of the HLPUSD family for 26 years, serving in various teaching and administration positions.

Mannino said she is excited to foster an environment of excellence, growth and inclusivity by empowering students with the efforts of this year’s school theme, Engage, Experience, Connect: Deep Learning Every Day.

The District also announced two additional leadership changes, naming former Orange Grove Middle School principal Dr. David Nieto as the principal at Sparks Middle School and Sierra Vista Middle School Principal Ann Hanson to serve as the principal at Newton Middle School.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Education and myself, we are thrilled to welcome these long-standing talented and accomplished District leaders to their new positions,” Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. “These reorganized administrators bring excellent communication skills, prioritize relationship building and strive to inspire employees and students to succeed. I am confident that the HLPUSD community will benefit from these changes.”

HLPUSD_ADMIN1: Hacienda La Puente Unified’s Board of Education and Superintendent select Lisa Mannino as the Interim Principal at Lassalette School for the 2023-24 school year.

HLPUSD_ADMIN2: Sam Yi was appointed as the new principal of Sierra Vista Middle School during a Board meeting on July, 27.

HLPUSD_ADMIN3: HLPUSD appoints Elizabeth “Beth” Kane as the new principal at Orange Grove Middle School for the upcoming school year.