New principal at Desert Wind Middle School

Apr 14, 2022

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Balt, Aidan_headshot Desert Wind — Aidan Balt has been appointed principal of Desert Wind Middle School, succeeding the retiring Carlos Alvarado beginning in the 2022-23 school year. [Maricopa Unified School District]

A new principal will take over at Desert Wind Middle School for the 2022-23 school year.

Aidan Balt will succeed Carlos Alvarado, who will retire at the end of this school year after three years as principal, the Maricopa Unified School District announced Thursday.

Balt starts her new position in July.

MUSD Superintendent Dr. Tracey Lopeman said Balt’s track record at Desert Wind made her an excellent choice.

“It is a pleasure to promote Ms. Balt to the principal position at Desert Wind Middle School,” Lopeman said. “She is known for her high expectations and track record of success with students. As the Assistant Principal at Desert Wind Middle School, Ms. Balt has demonstrated superb instructional leadership and built relationships that inspire excellence. I am confident that she and staff will chart a course that makes our city proud.”

Balt has served the district in several capacities since 2011. Her instructional roles include teaching Maricopa High School Advanced Placement, Honors and regular courses at all high school grade levels. She also has served as a mentor teacher and English Language Arts department chairperson.

A National Board-certified teacher and Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms, Balt earned her bachelor of arts degree in secondary English education from the University of Sioux Falls in 2008. She added a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University in 2016.

Balt said she wants Desert Wind to be “a school where every student is seen, heard, and valued, and a school where all staff is committed to excellent teaching that leads to real learning and positive outcomes for all kids.”

“I want to foster an environment in which all staff and all students see a path to become the people they are meant to be,” she added. “I chose MUSD because I believe in blooming where you are planted. Those around me cultivated my growth as a teacher and a leader and I want to share all I have learned in order to cultivate instructional excellence in others.”