Principal's Message

Hello, 

My name is J.D. Ellingson. It is an honor to serve as Principal of Lafayette Elementary School and to be part of a vibrant community committed to the success and well-being of each and every student.

I believe deeply in the transformative power of education and that every child has the potential to thrive when they feel seen, valued, challenged, and supported. As an educational leader, I view leadership as service: building the capacity of others, removing barriers, and creating the conditions that allow students and adults to grow and succeed.

Throughout nearly 20 years in education, including my experiences as an elementary classroom teacher and assistant principal in SFUSD, I have remained committed to keeping students at the center of every decision. At Lafayette, I am dedicated to partnering with our teachers, staff, families, and community to cultivate an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment that supports both academic excellence and social-emotional well-being.

Strong schools are built through strong relationships. I value open and transparent communication, meaningful collaboration, and the collective strengths of our community. Together, we will continue building on Lafayette’s traditions and successes while ensuring that every student experiences a warm, engaging, and joyful school community where they are inspired and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

I am grateful to be part of the Lafayette community and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

In Partnership,

J.D. Ellingson (Mr. E)

Principal | Lafayette Elementary School

ellingsonj@sfusd.edu