Higley Unified School District has named Amy Kochis the director of early childhood development centers for the 2024-25 school year.

Kochis comes to HUSD from ASU Preparatory Academy with more than 30 years of experience in education. She has served as an assistant principal, dean of students, athletic director, kindergarten teacher and preschool teacher.

She earned her master’s in elementary education and educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. 

Kochis' selection is the culmination of a rigorous process over the past several months that included a survey for families and a hiring committee representative of district and school staff to narrow the decision, according to a district release.

The committee found Kochis to have all of the qualities our families value in a leader and is confident that she will be a good fit for the district’s early childhood programs, according to the district. 

“My desire is to cultivate an environment where the interests of children, families, and staff are always the top priority,” Kochis said in the release. “I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative community while ensuring every member feels empowered to contribute their best.” 

Kochis will start in July leading up to the new school year.