Dear Las Lomitas Families and Community Members,
The LLESD Board of Trustees is delighted to announce the selection of Erik Burmeister by unanimous agreement as the next Superintendent for Las Lomitas Elementary School District. The Board will take formal action to approve his appointment at our upcoming meeting on April 16, 2025. Mr. Burmeister is anticipated to begin serving as superintendent on May 1, 2025, providing critical support and steady guidance as the district concludes a difficult year. His early start will ensure a smooth transition and lay the groundwork for a stable, collaborative, and successful 2025-26 school year.
If Erik Burmeister’s name is familiar to you, it’s because his appointment is a homecoming of sorts. Erik served our neighbors, the Menlo Park City School District, for twelve years - the last six of which as MPCSD’s Superintendent. Erik, California’s 2012 Middle School Principal of the Year, raised his children in Menlo Park, and has substantial and influential relationships with local educational groups and districts. He is probably best known for his creative approach to reopening MPCSD schools during the COVID pandemic. Erik took a break from superintendency for the last two years, serving as an educational coach and consultant, and recently ended a short-term contract with a district in the East Bay. By fortunate coincidence, the timing of Erik’s availability is ideal for Las Lomitas. 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.
The past two years have tested us as a district and community. We have faced difficult negotiations, financial strain, and fraying trust that has been painful and has divided the community. Yet through it all, our families have shown tremendous patience, understanding, and unwavering support for our students, staff, and schools. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our community, and we want you to know how much we value your partnership as we move forward.
The Board is enthusiastic and united in its confidence that Erik is the right leader for this moment. He brings with him a proven record of consistent, principled, and steady leadership. His experience in ensuring fiscal stability, building community trust, and fostering strong relationships with teachers and families makes him uniquely qualified to guide LLESD into our next chapter.
As Erik said during his interview, “I am 100% sure that Las Lomitas’s best days are ahead.” The LLESD board believes that to be true with whole hearts, and look forward to working with him.
In partnership with our next Superintendent, the LLESD Board is fully committed to doing the hard work necessary to earn your trust and confidence. We feel incredibly fortunate that Erik can begin as Superintendent on May 1, allowing him to get to know you and hear your hopes for LLESD’s future right away. Erik will announce a series of community conversations as soon as he takes office. I hope you will attend at least one of the events to get to know Erik and to share your thoughts and ideas. We are excited about the future and hope you are, too!
Thank you again for your steadfast support of our schools. Together, we will build a stronger future for our students.
Warm regards,
Paige Winikoff
President, Las Lomitas Elementary School District Board of Trustees
