Principal's Page


woman with black flowery shirt and glasses
Kendi Merlo is the Principal and 7th and 8th Grade Teacher at Vina Elementary.  Mrs. Merlo has been with the Los Molinos Unified School District since 2011 and began her career in education in 2000.  As a 1996 Los Molinos High School and 1992 Vina Elementary School graduate, Mrs. Merlo is deeply invested in the success of all students in the Los Molinos Unified School District.  Mrs. Merlo spends her spare time shuttling her two children to all of their activities!

 
 
 
Assistant Principal: Derek Badovinac
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I am extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to work with all school sites in Los Molinos Unified School District. I grew up in Modesto, CA in a family filled with educators and have known since a young age that education was the right career path for me. In my free time I enjoy going out in nature and spending time with my wife, Brooklyn, and our two dogs. My wife and I started dating in high school before moving to Chico together for college. During my time at Chico State I received my BS in Mathematics Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential. In an effort to further my education I completed my MA in Education Leadership and Administrative Credential through the Teacher’s College of San Joaquin. Prior to becoming an administrator, I worked in the Live Oak Unified School District where I have taught Math and AVID at the middle school and high school level as well as coach varsity football. I look forward to creating new relationships and continuing the supportive culture that Los Molinos has developed by working to provide a quality education for all students. 

Email: dbadovinac@lmusd.net