It is a privilege to serve as the principal of La Merced Elementary, a school with a well-deserved and established reputation of being culturally rich and for placing great value on the education of its children. I aspire to maintain and strengthen La Merced’s achievement by continuing to foster a thinking-rich environment where students are actively involved in meaningful work, both academically and co-curricular programs.

Within each student is a leader, a teacher, a mechanical engineer, an environmentalist, a song-writer, a welder, a global economist or a poet. Education is about empowering students to discover themselves – who they are as people – and supporting them in developing their natural curiosity and interests. I appreciate the opportunity to work with La Merced students and support them in their development as caring, competent, talented, and responsible citizens. I want all students to feel important and to recognize that they influence what happens to and what goes on around them every day.

La Merced School Staff and I look forward to partnering with families in continuing to shape a safe “Bully Free”, challenging, and nurturing school that is full of life, energy, and productivity.

Mr. Manuel J. Lucero
Principal, La Merced