EL MONTE – El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) is welcoming three new administrators to the District for the 2024-25 school year, with each new appointee bringing a breadth of experience and passion for education to their positions.

At the District level, EMUHSD has hired Dr. Michael Lin as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and Dr. Refugio Gracian as Director II of Human Resources. El Monte Union also appointed Renee Tellez as South El Monte High School’s new assistant principal.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lin, Dr. Gracian, and Renee Tellez to our leadership team,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Their wealth of experience and commitment to education closely align with our District’s core mission and values. We are confident their leadership will bring about meaningful contributions and advancements to our students’ continued growth and success.”

Lin strives to communicate financial matters clearly, accurately, and transparently to all educational partners. He brings an extensive background in education to EMUHSD, including roles as a chief business official, site principal, director of technology, curriculum coordinator, and high school math and computer science teacher. Most recently, he served as San Marino Unified’s Chief Business Official where he oversaw budget development, labor negotiations, risk management, program funding and accountability, procurement, student nutrition, maintenance and operations, transportation, safety, and capital facilities.

Gracian comes to El Monte Union from Capistrano Unified School District, where he served as the executive director of cultural proficiency, equity, access & social-emotional learning. Gracian boasts 24 years of experience in education, having worked as a principal, assistant principal, and teacher.

Tellez steps into South El Monte High with 17 years of educational experience and academic degrees in child development and special education. She previously worked as a teacher and an education specialist at Arroyo High School, where she served as a mentor, co-chaired the special education department, piloted a new English curriculum, and developed a strong connection with the community.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_NEW ADMINISTRATORS_1: El Monte Union appoints Dr. Michael Lin as its new Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. Lin joins the District with extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning.

EMUHSD_NEW ADMINISTRATORS_2: El Monte Union welcomes Dr. Refugio Gracian as its new Director II of Human Resources, marking a significant addition to the District’s leadership team.

EMUHSD_NEW ADMINISTRATORS_3: El Monte Union announces Renee Tellez as the new Assistant Principal at South El Monte High School, bringing her expertise and leadership to the school community.