Administration


Superintendent: Joey Adame, Ed.DTop of Page

A smiling man
" Every Child, Every Day, Whatever it Takes!" 
 
I am honored and proud to serve as the Superintendent for Los Molinos Unified School District! 
We are moving towards excellence! Our vision is to provide high quality instruction, increase post secondary success for all high school graduates, closing the achievement gap, developing literacy and academic language across all grades levels, developing and sustaining career techincal education pathways in a 21st century learning environment, and support for all students through Response to Intervention (RTI), and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Our Board of Trustees are highly committed to ensuring our district advances to new heights! 
 
My administrative background as a champion for kids has provided me with many memorable experiences of increasing student achievement throughout the State of California. My core beliefs are:
  • All students can and must learn
  • Hope is not a strategy
  • We can't blame the kids
  • Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships is the foundation
Go Bulldog Nation!
 
 
 
 

Los Molinos High School Principal: Megan Weiss
Top of Page

Megan Weiss
Megan Weiss is the Principal for Los Molinos High School. She has been with LMUSD since 2018, when she came as an education specialist. Megan is dedicated and committed to the students of the Los Molinos School District, and has 2 of her own children who attend school within the district. Megan is an alumni of Vina Elementary School Class of 2000 and Los Molinos High School Class of 2004. Megan went onto Chico State where she received a BA in Criminal Justice in 2008, and then completed the Multiple Subject and Masters Program at Simpson University in 2017. In 2018 Megan received her Special Education Credential from National University, and then completed her Administrative Credential at Simpson in 2023. 
Megan is currently an active member within the community as a Los Molinos Chamber of Commerce Board Member, 4-H leader, Friends of the Library member, and is a member of our booster clubs at LME and LMHS.
 
Email: mweiss@lmusd.net
 
 
 
 

Los Molinos Elementary School Principal: Josh Rowe

 
Josh Rowe LME
Hello, my name is Josh Rowe and it is my privilege and honor to be joining the Los Molinos Elementary School family. I have lived in the North State since moving to come to school at Chico State in 1998. My wife, Courtney, is a Chico native and together we have three children Lila (8), David (6) and Benjamin (3). Outside of family and work, I am an avid triathlete and love to be outside swimming, cycling or running.
Professionally I began my career as a teacher spending 10 years in the classroom as a secondary teacher. As a classroom teacher, I taught History and English in Williams at the Jr/Sr High School across all secondary grade levels, 7-12. Six years ago after earning my MA in Educational Leadership along with my administrative services credential, I left the classroom to be an administrator. In those six years, I have been able to work as an administrator with every grade level from TK through 12th Grade. As an administrator, I have experience with PBIS, discipline and technology. I am a Google Level One educator working on Level 2.
In my capacity as an administrator, I believe in developing positive relationships with students, staff and the community. These relationships help everyone reach their potential for success. I am looking forward to being here in Los Molinos and to creating long lasting partnerships with everyone so together we can provide our students with the best possible education and the best possible future. I look forward to meeting each of you and learning how I can partner with you to help support you this school year and beyond.
 
Sincerely,
 
Josh Rowe
Principal
Los Molinos Elementary School

Vina Elementary School Principal: Kendi Merlo
Top of Page

woman with black flowery shirt and glasses
Kendi Merlo is the Principal and 7th and 8th Grade Teacher at Vina Elementary.  Mrs. Merlo has been with the Los Molinos Unified School District since 2011 and began her career in education in 2000.  As a 1996 Los Molinos High School and 1992 Vina Elementary School graduate, Mrs. Merlo is deeply invested in the success of all students in the Los Molinos Unified School District.  Mrs. Merlo spends her spare time shuttling her two children to all of their activities!
 

 
LMUSD Assistant Principal: Derek Badovinac
Top of Page

D. Badovinac
I am extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to work with all school sites in Los Molinos Unified School District. I grew up in Modesto, CA in a family filled with educators and have known since a young age that education was the right career path for me. In my free time I enjoy going out in nature and spending time with my wife, Brooklyn, and our two dogs. My wife and I started dating in high school before moving to Chico together for college. During my time at Chico State I received my BS in Mathematics Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential. In an effort to further my education I completed my MA in Education Leadership and Administrative Credential through the Teacher’s College of San Joaquin. Prior to becoming an administrator, I worked in the Live Oak Unified School District where I have taught Math and AVID at the middle school and high school level as well as coach varsity football. I look forward to creating new relationships and continuing the supportive culture that Los Molinos has developed by working to provide a quality education for all students. 
 
Email: dbadovinac@lmusd.net