Peoria Unified names Samuel Chagoya principal at Peoria High School after board vote

Peoria — The Peoria Unified School District governing board voted Feb. 13 to appoint Samuel Chagoya as principal of Peoria High School, making permanent the interim leader who had overseen the campus during a recent transition period.

Superintendent Kevin Summers recommended Chagoya, noting the candidate’s alumni connection to the school and results from stakeholder surveys and site councils showing broad support. Summers highlighted survey results supplied to the board, including a 90 percent positive response to “I have trust and confidence in our school and department leadership” and a 94 percent positive response to “school leadership is accessible.”

At the meeting several students, parents, community members and current or former colleagues gave public comment in support of Chagoya. Student body leaders and alumni told the board his presence had boosted campus morale and stability.

Board action and vote - Motion and outcome: The board voted to approve the administrative appointment of Samuel Chagoya as principal for Peoria High School. - Vote tally (voice vote): 5–0 in favor (President Rooks, Mrs. Ewing, Mrs. Proudfit, Mrs. Bowles, Clerk Toby voted yes).

Why it matters Peoria High School’s leadership shift followed a year of campus disruption; board members and staff emphasized the need for community trust and steady leadership. Superintendent Summers said the appointment followed a period in which the district solicited stakeholder input and monitored the interim principal’s impact on school culture and operations.

Next steps Chagoya will continue in the role; the district said it would provide support and monitor progress through established staff feedback and site council processes.

Ending Chagoya thanked the board, district staff and community members; several board members and community speakers praised his long ties to the school and local community.