Two new principals in Gilbert Public Schools were appointed Tuesday for the 2025–26 school year.
The governing board unanimously approved the appointments of new leadership of Eric Cruz at Desert Ridge Junior High School and Kristin Fleming at Augusta Ranch Elementary School.
Cruz expressed enthusiasm and gratitude about joining Desert Ridge Junior High following the board’s vote.
"I'm super excited to be there,” said Cruz, who is serving as assistant principal and activities director at Mesquite High School. “They have a wonderful foundation, and I couldn't be prouder to be able to be the next principal at Desert Ridge Junior High School."
He also acknowledged the support of his family, including his wife and children, who attended the meeting.
Cruz has worked more than 30 years as an educator.
Fleming was also unanimously approved by the board for the Augusta Ranch position. Fleming became emotional as she reflected on her professional journey.
"I am incredibly humbled and honored and grateful," she said.
A longtime educator with experience as dean of students at Canyon Rim Elementary and Meridian, Fleming acknowledged her mentors and thanked her family and new school community.
“I'm just so honored to represent you, to lead you, to walk beside you,” she said, addressing Augusta Ranch staff.
She praised Augusta Ranch’s existing programs and expressed a desire to "continue all the traditions and practices that have made you the A+ school you are."
Fleming previously was an instructional coach at Carol Rae Ranch Elementary after coming from the Tempe Elementary District. In 29 years in education, she was a director of a child development center, parent coach, instructional coach and a teacher of students from pre-K to high school.
Both principals shared their deep appreciation for the opportunity and pledged to contribute to the continued success of their new schools.
We would like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Tom Blodgett can be reached by email at tblodgett@iniusa.org or follow him @sp_blodgett on X.
Meet Tom Tom Blodgett joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2022, when the company acquired Community Impact Newspaper's Phoenix-area properties. Raised in Arizona, he has spent more than 35 years in journalism in the state.
Community: He has served as an instructional professional in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication since 2005, and is editorial adviser to The State Press, the university's independent student media outlet. He also is director of operations for an 18U girls fastpitch softball team from Gilbert.
Education: Arizona State University with a BS in Journalism.
Random Fact: He lived in Belgium during his freshman year of high school.
Hobbies: Tweeting enthusiastically about ASU softball (season-ticket holder) and grumpily about other local sports (pessimistic fan).
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