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Board honors 16 retirees, introduces new and promoted administrators
Summary
The Agua Fria Union High School District recognized 16 retirees representing 166 combined years of service, with principals and directors offering tributes; the board also introduced multiple new or promoted administrators across high schools and the district office.
The Agua Fria Union High School District governing board opened its May 7 meeting with a celebration honoring 16 retirees who, district presenters said, represent 166 years of combined service to students and schools.
District presenters and school principals recognized individual retirees for classroom instruction, athletics coaching, transportation service and operational support. Desert Edge High School's principal Butchen Hann praised Marcy Thrain for years of work in remediation and math, noting Thrain's role in coaching girls golf and shaping campus culture. Human resources representatives and site leaders highlighted long tenures for employees including Debbie (22 years), John Payne (joined 07/31/2007) and Dennis Johnson (13 years), acknowledging their positive influence on colleagues and students.
The meeting also introduced a slate of new and promoted administrators. The superintendent and principals announced hires and promotions including Olivia Alprest returning to the district as an instructional leader, Matt Leese as interim principal at Verrado High School, Jared Austin and Matthew Gilbert as assistant principals, Kristen Tiffany and Latoya (new director of academies), and administrative moves bringing Todd Siemens, Gabby McGahn, Noemi Cabrales and Rosa Ramirez into human resources, finance and business services leadership roles.
Superintendent Islas thanked the board for recognizing internal talent, described the leadership‑cadre process used for promotions and reminded the community about upcoming graduations at Desert Diamond Arena. Speakers repeatedly emphasized gratitude for retirees' service and the district's practice of promoting from within.
What happens next: staff and site leaders will support transitions as employees assume new roles and the district will post updated administrative assignments.
