Principal Nate Lamma has stepped aside after eight years at Sequoia Pathway. Stepping in is Alfonso Alva.

Sequoia Pathway Academy High School will gain new leadership in the upcoming school year.

Former principal Nathan Lamma said he will not be returning. Lamma said he is leaving to be closer to home and to spend more time with his family.

“The staff, families and students have been my life for the last eight years, and great things will keep happening for the Pumas,” Lamma said.

The new high school principal at Pathway is Alfonso Alva, who serves as campus director.

“I am looking forward to meeting our students, staff, parents and community members,” Alva said.

Before coming to Pathway, Alva was the college campus chair for the College of Education at the University of Phoenix, according to a statement supplied by Alva.

Pathway’s new principal said he has 20 years of experience in education ranging from classroom teacher to a variety of administrator positions including assistant principal, principal, district director and university chair.

“Dr. Alva holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Prescott College, an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University, and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. In 2009, he completed his Ed.D in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University,” the statement reads.

Sequoia Pathway Academy Elementary School will also see changes in its administration. Lamma confirmed Assistant Principal Aundre Bell has resigned. Bell could not be reached for comment.

Demond Williams, high school head football coach, is also leaving Pathway. The school has posted an opening for the position on its website.