In a recent Chandler Unified School District meeting, the board welcomed two new deans, Amy Miller and Jane Scholl, who bring extensive experience and a commitment to fostering inclusive educational environments.

Amy Miller, the new dean of Riggs Elementary School, has a strong background in special education, having spent 18 years in the classroom. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, she moved to Arizona to pursue her education at Arizona State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in special education and is currently pursuing a second master's degree in principal leadership. Miller expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Riggs community and highlighted her family's deep ties to local schools, with all her children having graduated from Perry High School.

Jane Scholl, appointed as the dean of Haley Elementary, brings over 20 years of educational experience, including her recent role as an assistant principal. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Grand Canyon University, focusing her dissertation on teachers' attitudes towards students with ADHD. Scholl holds multiple degrees, including a bachelor's in psychology and two master's degrees in educational leadership and elementary education. She emphasized her belief in the potential for all students to succeed with the right support.

The meeting also included a segment for citizen comments, where community member Brett Wingate addressed ongoing concerns regarding mental health and the impact of cell phone usage among students. The board reiterated its commitment to addressing these issues, acknowledging their prevalence in discussions at previous meetings.

As the new school year approaches, both Miller and Scholl expressed excitement about their roles and the opportunity to make a positive impact within their respective schools. The board plans to introduce more new staff members in future meetings, continuing its focus on enhancing educational leadership within the district.