MHS dean named to post at middle school

The Maricopa Unified School District hired from within to fill a vacant administrator position at Maricopa Wells Middle School.

Out of 33 applicants, a hiring committee recently chose current Maricopa High School Dean of Students Evana Santee to fill the role of assistant principal. She will begin at MWMS when school resumes from winter break Jan. 9, according to district documents.

Santee came to the district this school year from Desert Heights Academy in Phoenix.

“In the short time she has been here, she has made a noticeable impact at the high school and she has demonstrated her strong commitment to our students,” said Tom Beckett, MUSD human resources director.

The New Jersey native moved to Arizona last year with her family. She began teaching 11 years ago and has since held a variety of teaching and administrator positions, according to her online biography.

At MWMS, Santee will be the primary administrative support for Principal Thad Miller who has been managing the school with a vacant assistant principal position for nearly two months, Beckett said.

Santee replaces former Assistant Principal Mallory Miller, who resigned Oct. 3.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the younger population of students to help prepare them academically, emotionally, mentally and socially for their high school experience,” Santee said Wednesday. “I’m excited to collaborate with Principal (Thad) Miller to support MWMS staff, students and parents.”

MUSD posted an advertisement on its website Tuesday for Santee’s current position at MHS. The high school is also currently interviewing candidates for an assistant principal.

The district governing board will vote to approve Santee’s new position Nov. 29. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at 44150 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy.

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