School Leadership

A Message from the Principal and Assistant Principal

Hello El Mirage Families!

I am extremely excited to enter my 31st year in education, and my ninth at El Mirage Elementary School. I graduated from Arizona State with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Secondary Education, go SUN DEVILS! I later received a Masters Degree from Northern Arizona University, go Lumberjacks! I began my educational career as a Social Studies and ESL teacher. I have also served as a Student Advisor and Dean of Students. The last twenty years I have worked as an Administrator in the Dysart Unified School District.  

I am ready to challenge our students and staff to bring their best effort, every school day. 

I believe that each student deserves every opportunity to have the best education possibly, and it is our job as educators to provide this for them. We have high expectations for our staff and students and believe the sky is the limit to what we can accomplish. Tiger Pride is Campus  Wide!

Sincerely, 

Rick Haney 

Principal

Hello El Mirage Families,

I am so excited for a great school year with my Tiger Family!  This will be my 18th year in education.  I have had the privilege of teaching in the Dysart School District for the past 11 years. I taught one year at Mountain View Elementary and eight years at Western Peaks Elementary School.  During my teaching career I have taught 2nd grade, 3rd grade and 5th grade.  This will be my third year as an Assistant Principal and I’m thankful for the opportunity to be at a new campus and serving the community of El Mirage as an administrator.   I am an Arizona native and graduated from Ironwood High School in Glendale.  I got my bachelors degree from Utah Valley University and my masters degree from William Woods University.  I live in Surprise with my 4 daughters.

I am truly excited to continue to work with such dedicated and knowledgeable staff members, students who are enthusiastic about learning and parents who are involved and supportive. I believe that together we can accomplish great things.  Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns this year.  Let’s make this the best year yet!

I passionately believe that every child deserves the opportunity and access the best education, through a growth mindset, and the practice of becoming a lifelong learner. It is a privilege to be a part your child’s educational journey as an advocate as they roar to success. I am sincerely delighted to be part of the Tiger Pack! 

Ms. Ireland

Assistant Principal