The Peoria Unified School District governing board on Tuesday approved the appointment of Natalie Steele as interim principal of Kachina Elementary for the remainder of the 2025–26 school year.

The administration brought the recommendation forward, and trustees voted by voice to approve the appointment. President Rooks announced the motion passed with five ayes.

Why it matters: principal leadership affects school culture, instructional priorities and community relationships. The board and district administration characterized Steele as a district‑experienced educator with a background in instructional coaching and assistant principal roles.

Background and selection: district presenters told the board Steele began her teaching career in 2016, worked as an instructional coach in Peoria after returning to Arizona in 2021 and served as assistant principal at both Kachina Elementary and later Vistancia. Administration recommended her for the interim role based on her experience leading professional development and work on student achievement data.

Steele spoke briefly to the board after the vote, saying she was grateful for the opportunity and for the “generations of my family who have dedicated their careers to Peoria Unified.” Board members then offered congratulations and individual remarks; Trustee Melissa Ewing said she was “so honored” to see Steele take the role and invited the community to support the transition.

Board action: the motion to appoint Steele was made and seconded on the record; a voice vote recorded five ayes and the motion carried.

Next steps: Steele will serve as interim principal for the 2025–26 school year, the administration said, and the district will support transition activities and community introductions in the coming weeks.