MHS gets temporary dean, assistant principal

Two Maricopa High School teachers are moving up the ladder.

In a few weeks, chemistry teacher Amy Stump and graphic design teacher Joby Thompson will return from Winter Break with promotions.

Stump will serve the student body as assistant principal and Thompson will handle discipline and guidance as interim dean of students. School officials sifted through “a large number of quality candidates” during the hiring process for both positions, according to MHS Interim Principal Rick Abel.

“I believe we have selected the best of the best for both spots,” Abel said.

Hiring administrators from within is becoming a trend for the district.

In November, MUSD hired Evana Santee – who was then the dean of students at MHS – was chosen to fill a vacant assistant principal position at Maricopa Wells Middle School.

District officials said they are happy to see their employees advance professionally within MUSD.

“Hiring administrators internally demonstrates the quality job the district does in finding, hiring and cultivating outstanding potential talent,” Human Resources Director Tom Beckett said.

Superintendent Steve Chestnut called Stump and Thompson “highly respected teachers” at MHS and reinforced the excitement other district and school officials expressed regarding their reclassifications from educators to administrators.

The hires will mean more work for the district’s HR Department, though, as they work to fill the teaching positions left open by the promotions.

The new assistant principal said she is honored to serve MHS students in her new role. However, the professional advancement is bittersweet for Stump who loves her work inside the chemistry classroom.

“I adore teaching, but know I can make a difference in student lives as an administrator as well,” she said. “Working with students and the community will be rewarding and I am thankful to be chosen to serve in this capacity.”

Among some of Stump’s responsibilities will include working with student clubs, student council and the community to coordinate use of the school’s facilities and related activities.

Stump begins as AP Jan. 2.

Almost a week after that, Thompson will start his first day as interim dean.

In addition to his design classes, Thompson is department chair of the Career and Technical Education Department at MHS.

Thompson was selected as a “creative leader” for a business and design conference at Yale University over the summer.

His transition to student discipline is a new chapter in his career he said he’s excited to begin.

“I’m looking forward to building meaningful relationships with the students who need it most,” Thompson said. “I also look forward to providing purposeful feedback to students who need guidance in managing their decision at MHS.”

Beckett said the district is confident Thompson will excel in the role, “but we have also posted a temporary opening for a permanent placement for his current role for potential contingencies.”

A final decision will be made by the district, with input from Thompson, “at the appropriate time,” Beckett said.

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