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our Leadership

MEET OUR LEADERSHIP

At Christian Unified Schools of San Diego, our leadership team serves with a clear calling: to partner with families as we teach students to think, learn, and live from a Biblical worldview. We believe children are a gift from the Lord, and we approach school leadership as faithful stewardship—of students, staff, families, and the mission God has entrusted to us.

Our Superintendent and Principals are committed to Christ-centered education marked by spiritual maturity, academic excellence, and a love for students. They lead with conviction and care, working to ensure each campus is a place where truth is taught, character is shaped, and students are prepared for a life of service—today and for eternity.

DR. DAVID JEREMIAH, PRESIDENT

Pastor David Jeremiah has guided Christian Unified schools for over four decades, strengthening our mission and Christ-centered culture.
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BOB RUHLMAN, SUPERINTENDENT

Christian Unified Schools is uniquely positioned to faithfully partner with and serve the families of San Diego in the Christian education of their children.
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BETSY SAFFER

PRINCIPAL,
CHRISTIAN JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL
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LISA LEEMAN

PRINCIPAL,
CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EAST
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MARLA HESTER

PRINCIPAL,
CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WEST
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BRENDA SNIFF

PRINCIPAL,
CHRISTIAN SOUTH
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I consider Christian Education to be one of the Lord’s highest callings and most effective tools for the transformation of generations and culture.

SUPERINTENDENT BOB RUHLMAN

CES EAST CAMPUS

On the Shadow Mountain Community Church campus, along with Christian Jr/Sr High School
2100 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon

Transitional kindergarten through 6th grade

CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Large campus, bustling with church & school activity
  • Convenient for families with junior high & high school siblings
  • 500+ students, with multiple classes per grade
  • Kindergarten & First Grade classes are located on our junior campus (click to view map) on the west side of Greenfield Drive

    • PRINCIPAL LISA LEEMAN

    Mrs. Leeman grew up in Ohio and later lived in Georgia before moving with her family to California. She treasures time spent traveling with her husband and children and especially enjoys cheering on her kids in the sports they play. She and her husband also serve together at Shadow Mountain, where he is a pastor. After God and her family, her favorite joys in life include pizza and shoes.

    Mrs. Leeman began her career in education in 2000, teaching Spanish in both high school and junior high. After several years dedicated to raising her children, she completed her California teaching multi-subject credential and returned to the classroom full time at Christian Unified in 2022. She chooses to serve at CUSSD because it allows her to integrate her passion for teaching with her faith, openly pointing students and families toward a relationship with Jesus Christ. With every lesson taught from a Biblical worldview, she hopes to encourage students to see the beautiful plan God has for their lives.

    CES WEST CAMPUS

    On the Campus of Revive Church
    211 S. Third Street, El Cajon, CA

    kindergarten through 6th grade

    CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Elementary-only campus with large playground & athletic fields
  • Close to the Christian Jr/Sr High campus for convenient drop-offs
  • 200+ students, with one teacher for most grades
  • Intimate, family atmosphere

    • PRINCIPAL MARLA HESTER

    Originally from North Carolina, Mrs. Hester spent 20+ years as a teacher and principal in Christian schools in Florida, receiving a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Stetson University. To her, being a principal is not just a career but a calling. Since coming to Christian Unified in 2017, she has felt blessed every day with the opportunity to do what God has called her to do—help children establish a foundation built upon the rock of Jesus Christ that will guide them, their families, and communities for generations to come.

    christian south

    470 L Street, Chula Vista, CA

    4-year-old kindergarten through 8th grade

    CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Junior campus for TK & K.
  • Main campus for 1st through 8th.
  • Serves families living in the South Bay area of San Diego County.
  • Specializing in Early Childhood Education since 1984.
  • Four- and five-year-olds read and have fun while they grow.
  • K4 children must turn four by December 31.
  • Regular Day (8:00-3:00) and Full Day (7:00-5:30) options.

    • PRINCIPAL brenda sniff

    Working at Christian South is a blessing every day. I have the privilege of encouraging our students and witnessing them grow into the young men and women that Jesus has created them to become. Working alongside fellow believers, we are empowered to achieve more together than we ever could on our own.

    "But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

    LIPSYNC 2025

    Lipsync will be streamed on the evening of Friday, September 26.
    Start time is based on a variety of factors.

    ENGLISH PROFICIENCY MINIMUMS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

    GradeTOEFL JrTOEFLiTEPDuolingo
    6700NA3NA
    7750NA3NA
    8800503.380-85
    985050-603.385-90
    10NA60-703.590-95
    11NA70+3.895+

    research links & INformation

    Web Research Links:

    Grolier Online (includes Encyclopedia Americana)
    User ID: christianhs
    Password: patriot

    EBSCO Host Research Databases – Full-text Periodical and Reference Articles Online
    User ID: christianhs
    Password: patriot2019!

    SIRS Knowledge Source – Periodical articles online
    User ID: CA3906
    Password: PATRIOT

    San Diego County Library Website
    Enter library card number; enter last four digits or phone number for PIN or, for newer users, make your own PIN.