Higley Unified School District has named Higley Virtual Academy's principal as the new principal at Williams Field High School for the 2024-25 school year.

John Dolan's appointment was unanimously approved at the HUSD Governing Board meeting April 3 as part of the consent agenda.

Dolan possesses more than 30 years of experience in the field of education. He began his career as a social studies instructor in New York. After years of working as an educator, as well as in coaching, and shortly after relocating to Arizona, Dolan earned an endorsement in administration. 

With experience in teaching, curriculum writing, coaching, and as a dean of students and assistant principal in both Phoenix and Tempe Union, Dolan  joined Higley USD in 2012.

His first experience as a principal came at Sossaman Middle School. He emphasized social and academic excellence as the principal of Sossaman Middle School. Dolan and his staff implemented a campus motto of "Respect and Accountability" while bringing about a means to support academics and providing a foundation of mutual trust and respect. 

Dolan's academic and administrative journey continued as Higley began the creation of an online academy. Higley Virtual Academy has emphasized feedback and communication as cornerstones of their students' success. Dolan and his staff try to make students feel like they are actually in the room with their students while they study, do an assignment, or take a test.

Higley Unified School District is excited to announce the new principal for Williams Field High School for the 2024-25 School Year, Mr. John Dolan.

Mr. Dolan possesses more than 30 years of experience in the field of education. Motivated by his own positive experiences in school, he pursued a path in education where he began his career as a social studies instructor in New York. After years of working as an educator, as well as in coaching, and shortly after relocating to Arizona, Mr. Dolan decided he wanted to make a larger impact not only in his classroom, but with an entire school community. This sparked an interest that led to him earning an endorsement in administration. 

Having gained invaluable experience in teaching, curriculum writing, coaching, and experience as the Dean of Students and Assistant Principal in both Phoenix and Tempe Union, Mr. Dolan welcomed the opportunity to expand upon his belief and philosophy that “All Students Can Learn” when joining Higley Unified School District back in 2012. His first experience as a Principal came at Sossaman Middle School. He emphasized both social and academic excellence as the Principal of Sossaman Middle School. Through the commitment of each teacher and staff member, Mr. Dolan and his staff enforced a campus motto of Respect and Accountability while implementing a means to support academics and providing a foundation of mutual trust and respect. 

Dolan's academic and administrative journey continued as Higley began the creation of an online academy.

Higley Virtual Academy's motto has been feedback and communication as cornerstones of their students' success. Mr. Dolan and his staff try to make students feel like they are actually in the room with their students while they study, do an assignment, or take a test.

"As my educational career began, I believed that change happens when people can work side by side to find the best solutions to help students find success inside and outside the classroom," Dolan said in a release from the district. "I still believe this is a key to success."