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The Las Lomitas Elementary School District announced that it will be appointing Erik Burmeister as its new superintendent during a school board meeting on April 16. District officials anticipate the former Menlo Park City School District superintendent will take over the role on May 1, replacing interim superintendent Valerie Park.
The search for the school district superintendent began in early February after former superintendent Beth Polito unexpectedly went on leave amid a financial audit by San Mateo County and investigation by the District Attorney’s Office. Polito was set to retire in August.
Burmeister brings 12 years of experience working with the Menlo Park City School District. He previously served as the principal of Hillview Middle School, MPCSD’s assistant superintendent and was later promoted to superintendent in 2017. He resigned from his position in 2022 to seek other opportunities.
For the last two years, Burmeister pursued a career as an educational coach and consultant and recently ended a short-term contract as superintendent of Fremont Unified School District in February.
“By fortunate coincidence, the timing of Erik’s availability is ideal for Las Lomitas,” wrote the district’s announcement on March 24. “Erik’s seasoned leadership, history of successful student outcomes, and deep knowledge of our community come at a critical point in Las Lomitas’s journey.”
During his time in Menlo Park, Burmeister was recognized as California’s 2012 Middle School Principal of the Year and was known for his efforts to reopen MPCSD schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also raised his children in Menlo Park and has a strong connection to local educational groups and districts.
The Las Lomitas school board has expressed confidence in Burmeister’s ability to lead an improved district that will once again be financially stable, trustworthy and fosters strong relationships with the community.
“I am 100% sure that Las Lomitas’s best days are ahead,” said Burmeister during his interview for the superintendent position.
In the past few years, the district has faced many challenges including a three-day teacher strike in October, financial strains and controversy around district expenses. The school board acknowledged in the announcement that it has lost the community’s trust but is committed to earning it back with these upcoming changes.
As soon as Burmeister takes office, he will announce a series of community conversations, according to the board. These discussions will allow the community to bring forward their concerns and open up ideas for the future of the district.
