The Agua Fria High School District Governing Board has elected Gina DeCoste as the 2024 President. Upon being elected, she said, “I am truly honored to have been elected as the new school board President. I am excited to continue collaborating with fellow board members, educators, and the community to enhance educational opportunities for our students. Together, we will create a positive and inclusive learning environment that prepares our graduates for a successful future.”
She previously served as Governing Board President in 2019 during her first term as an AFUHSD Governing Board member.
DeCoste’s various roles throughout her 30 years in education and seven years as an elected official have allowed her to see various perspectives needed in planning and decision-making.
DeCoste has lived in the West Valley for more than 20 years. She received a Master of Educational Leadership from Arizona State University and joined the Litchfield Elementary School District in 2004 as a special education teacher. In 2010, she had the opportunity to be the planning principal and open a new school, Mabel Padgett Elementary School, where she was the principal for eight years. Before retiring in 2023, she was the Executive Director of Programs and Instruction.
DeCoaste was preceded by Trey Terry as President. During his two-year term, he and the board worked together to achieve the following:
* Passing an override and bond to secure funding for higher, more competitive staff salaries and a new high school to be built in Goodyear, all without raising the tax rate.
* Beginning the transition to an academy model for academics that emphasizes and prioritizes career pathway exposure for all students.
* Prioritizing school safety with School Resource Officers at every campus, more campus safety staff, and becoming the first district in Arizona to implement state-of-the-art weapons detectors at every campus.
* Ensuring the district became more embedded in the community by building and maintaining relationships with local businesses, ensuring we are better partners with our local municipalities and getting students involved with our neighboring retiree populations.
Terry will remain on the Board as a member, along with Eric Cultum and Vickie Landis. Kristen Acton was elected to the role of Vice President.
To learn more about each of the governing board members, please visit aguafria.org/board-members.