Russell Paperman has been hired as the new principal of Cactus Canyon Junior High School, effective for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.

A meet-and-greet event with Paperman will be held at Cactus Canyon Junior High School, 801 W. Southern Ave. in Apache Junction, at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 4, where families and members of the community are invited to welcome him, according to a release.

With a proven track record of educational excellence and a passion for student success, Paperman is poised to lead Cactus Canyon to new heights of achievement and community engagement, according to the release from the Apache Junction Unified School District.

Bringing more than 16 years of experience in school administration, Paperman joins the AJUSD community from Paradise Valley Unified School District.

His dedication to fostering a dynamic learning environment where every student can thrive resonates deeply with the core values of Cactus Canyon Junior High School, the release states.

“I am honored to join the Apache Junction community as the new principal of Cactus Canyon Junior High School. My commitment to empowering students, nurturing their talents and instilling a love for learning aligns perfectly with the mission of AJUSD. I am eager to collaborate with students, staff and families to create an inclusive and supportive educational environment where all students can reach their fullest potential,” Paperman said in the release.

AJUSD Superintendent Robert Pappalardo expressed his confidence in Paperman’s ability to lead.

“We are excited to welcome Russell Paperman to the AJUSD family. His wealth of experience, innovative leadership, and dedication to student success make him an ideal fit for Cactus Canyon Junior High School. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will have on our school community,” he said in the release.

Originally hailing from New York, Paperman received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from City University of New York before moving to Arizona in 2003. He continued his education at Arizona State University, where he received a Master of Education in educational supervision and leadership.

Beyond his administrative roles, Paperman’s educational background includes teaching various subjects, coaching multiple sports at both middle and high school levels, and advocating for comprehensive student development.

“I am committed to providing a well-rounded educational experience for all students,” Paperman said in the release. “Encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities not only enhances their academic journey but also fosters important life skills such as teamwork, resilience and leadership. My goal is to ensure that every student at Cactus Canyon is equipped to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.”

Paperman will be succeeding current Principal Phyllis Bellemare, who will be retiring at the end of the school year.

Go to ajusd.org.