At three Maricopa schools, there will be brand new leadership. Over the last month, the Maricopa Unified School District approved principals at three schools. Here they are:

Kevin Sotomayor has been named the new principal of Maricopa High School, bringing with him more than 29 years of experience as an educator and administrator.

Sotomayor has served at both the elementary and middle school levels throughout his career and is now stepping into high school leadership for the first time. He said he is excited to join the Maricopa High School community and lead efforts to foster academic excellence and student well-being.

A graduate of Arizona State University, Sotomayor holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in administration and supervision. He describes his educational philosophy as one rooted in the belief that every student can succeed when supported by strong leadership, dedicated educators, a positive learning environment, and a caring community.

Sotomayor lives in Phoenix with his wife of 28 years, Stefaney. The couple has two daughters currently attending college. Outside the classroom, he enjoys exploring Arizona trails in his Jeep, competing on a professional barbecue team, called TEX’s Smokehouse on Wheels, and spending time with his dogs and cats.

“Together we will fulfill the promise of success for every student,” Sotomayor said. “Victory together! Go Rams!”

Over at Butterfield Elementary School, new principal Christine Dickinson brings 20 years of educational experience to her new role.

Dickinson has served in various capacities over her career, including teacher, technology integration specialist and technology director. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and dual master’s degrees in elementary education and educational leadership.

Originally from Brush Prairie, Wash., Dickinson has lived in the East Valley for several years. She said she is eager to collaborate with Butterfield’s dedicated staff and families to promote academic growth and a positive school culture.

“I’m honored to join the Bobcat community and look forward to working together to make the 2025–26 school year a great one,” Dickinson said.

Dickinson lives with her husband and their two sons. They share their home with a lively group of pets, including two dogs, four goats and a flock of chickens.

As Maricopa plans to break ground on a new K-8 school next month, they already have a newly appointed planning principal in place. Longtime Maricopa educator Elizabeth Allison was tapped to lead the newest K–8 school, which is slated to begin construction this summer.

Allison brings 15 years of experience in education, having taught kindergarten, second and third grade. She has also held administrative roles as an assistant principal, teacher on special assignment and most recently, principal of Pima Butte Elementary, where she has served for the past five years.

Allison holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in administration. She said she is especially excited about the opportunity to help build the school’s culture, mission and vision from the ground up.

“This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to create a space that reflects the values of our diverse community and supports students at every stage of development,” Allison said. “We are committed to fostering a learning environment rooted in belonging, curiosity and academic excellence.”

Originally from Lapeer, Mich., Allison now resides in the Southwest with her husband, Chris. Together, they have three adult children and three pets: Wixie, Mufasa and Charlie.