Florence High School will have a new principal for the 2023-24 school year.

The Florence Unified School District Governing Board unanimously approved hiring Deanna Potter as the incoming principal of Florence High beginning July 1.

She replaces Toby Haugen, who recently was appointed director of human resources for the district.

Potter has been employed with FUSD since 2002, beginning her career as a teacher at Walker Butte K8 teaching fifth through seventh grade. Since then, she has been a math teacher, an instructional coach at Florence High School and an assistant principal at Skyline Ranch K-8. For the last six years, she has been the principal at Florence K-8.

“At FUSD, we encourage, support and challenge our dedicated employees to grow professionally. Deanna Potter is a perfect example of these efforts. She has served the families of FUSD for many years and will now lead our Gophers at Florence High School,” Superintendent Chris Knutsen stated in a press release. “She is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of our Florence community."

Potter is an Arizona native. After high school she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in mathematics from Northern Arizona University in 2002. In 2014, she completed her master’s degree in educational leadership from Jones International University.

She has been married for 23 years and considers her husband to be her best friend. They have two sons who are part of the FUSD family, as well. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading and enjoying the Arizona weather.