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Neighbors
Patricia Smith hired as principal of Peralta Trail Elementary School
AJUSD
Patricia Smith
Posted
Patricia Smith has been hired as the principal of Peralta Trail Elementary School, effective immediately.
She had been working as the interim principal at PTES, 10965 E. Peralta Road in Gold Canyon, since last semester and has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities during her tenure, according to a release from Apache Junction Unified School District.
With 27 years of experience in education, Smith has been an integral part of the AJUSD community since 2003 when she joined as an elementary teacher. Over the past 21 years, she has held various roles within the district, including classroom teacher, math specialist, academic coach, student wellness coordinator and principal.
Her 11 years as an elementary-school principal have showcased her strong and knowledgeable leadership, driven by her educational philosophy that prioritizes students’ well-being and academic success, the release states.
Dr. Robert Pappalardo, Superintendent of AJUSD, expressed his enthusiasm for Patricia’s appointment, stating, “We’re excited to welcome Patricia Smith as the new principal of Peralta Trail Elementary School. Her dedication to students and proven leadership skills makes her the perfect fit to guide this ‘A’ rated school to even greater success.”
Throughout her career, Smith has been a staunch advocate for student success and believes in creating a positive and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. Her educational philosophy emphasizes the importance of collaboration between school, home, and the community, fostering a collective effort to ensure the success of every student, the release states.
Prior to her career in education, she served as an academic advisor with Chapman University. She has a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences from Chapman University and a Master’s of Arts in educational leadership and principalship from Northern Arizona University.
As principal of Peralta Trail Elementary School, Smith is committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence in education and creating a nurturing environment where every student can reach their full potential, the release states.
