Board appoints four principals and interim Davis Romero leader; honors student and community achievements

At its April 28 meeting the Tucson Unified School District governing board confirmed several administrative appointments and conducted recognitions.

Superintendent Dr. Trujillo presented four principal recommendations, which the board approved unanimously (5–0): Michelle Gower as principal of Doolen Middle School; Frankie Shioone as principal at Mary Bell McCrorie K–8 Academy; Karen Anton as Whitmore K–6 principal; and (separately) the board confirmed additional administrator assignments included on the agenda. Each appointee addressed the board briefly following confirmation.

The board also appointed Heidi Aranda as interim principal of Davis Romero Bilingual Magnet School. Several Davis Romero community speakers urged stable leadership and support for bilingual instruction; Aranda emphasized her bilingual background and long district experience when accepting the interim position.

Superintendent Dr. Trujillo led awards and recognitions at the start of the meeting, thanking donors (a $10,000 gift from Fries Food Stores/Kroger to Monzo elementary) and noting Wakefield Middle School’s selection as a 2026 Arizona School to Watch. Students Luis Valenuela and Kamari Christopher from Holiday Fine Arts Elementary led the land acknowledgement and pledge of allegiance at the meeting’s opening.

The board also approved a measure to name the district’s new administrative building at 220 West 6th Street for longtime superintendent Dr. Robert D. Morrow in recognition of his leadership on inclusion and outdoor education; Dr. Morrow’s family was recognized during the vote, which passed 5–0.

The personnel votes were taken on the record and reflect the board’s vote to move forward with district leadership changes ahead of next school year.