Jessica Samayoa is Castle Heights' new principal

What happened

LAUSD's current school directory identifies Jessica J. Samayoa as principal of Castle Heights Elementary, confirming that the spring search for Linda Beck's successor has concluded.

Why it matters to families

A principal shapes school culture, staffing, family communication, and day-to-day priorities. Official Commonwealth Avenue Elementary pages previously listed Dr. Samayoa as an assistant principal and as the contact for special-education questions, giving her prior LAUSD elementary-school administrative experience.

The evidence

The current LAUSD directory states, "Principal: SAMAYOA, JESSICA J." Castle Heights' April 23 principal letter described a representative school committee participating in candidate screening and interviews, with District West Superintendent Dr. Collier making the selection and the district superintendent giving final approval.

What this does not tell us

The official directory confirms who holds the role but does not publish the appointment date, candidate pool, committee recommendation, or approval date. August 12 is the date the completed selection was verified, not necessarily the day the appointment was made.

The source