08/03/2026
John R. Williams welcomes Marla Carrillo-Kelly as our new principal for the 2026-27 school year! She joins us after four years as principal for Claudia Landeen, her latest role in a 16-year educational career.
Mrs. Carrillo-Kelly believes in the importance of culture, communication and connection for all students. Before becoming Claudia Landeen’s principal, Mrs. Carrillo-Kelly spent 8 years teaching Spanish at Lincoln High School, and later served as an assistant principal for the LHS Trojans. In both roles, Mrs. Carrillo-Kelly clearly, methodically communicated with students and families, using her English and Spanish proficiency to help all families.
Mrs. Carrillo-Kelly sees John R. Williams’ Dual Language program as a valuable resource and community for English and Spanish Learners alike, and for students from all cultural backgrounds. Mrs. Carrillo-Kelly intends to work with our teachers to ensure every Dual Language student has the education they need to be fully bilingual by the time they finish 6th Grade. She places equal emphasis on the importance of all subjects across grade levels, and plans to work alongside teachers so they can provide engaging hands-on learning opportunities in core class assignments including reading, writing, science, history and math, along with creative outlets like our art and music programs.
Mrs. Carrillo-Kelly looks forward to overseeing John R. Williams traditions like our Fall Carnival and Winter Craft Night while giving students the chance to prepare for their future beyond this school. She aims to expose K-6 students to opportunities, activities and individuals from a variety of career paths through field trips and campus events so they can begin envisioning opportunities they didn’t know existed.
Mrs. Carrillo-Kelly believes every student has it in them to become a leader, and is excited to help them identify their strengths at John R. Williams. She wants parents and guardians to know she is always available to sit down and have meaningful conversations, and looks forward to working as a team with students, families and staff.
