District Administration

Kevin Carney

Chief Officer of Leadership and Learning

Kevin Carney

A dedicated and accomplished educational leader, Kevin Carney has served as Assistant Superintendent at Vail School District since 2018, consistently demonstrating a passion for fostering innovative learning environments and empowering both students and educators. Carney’s journey in education began in the classroom, teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grades in the Marana and Vail School Districts from 1994 to 2001, laying a strong foundation in instructional practice. His commitment to educational advancement led to progressive leadership roles within the Vail School District, including serving as Assistant to the Principal before an impactful eight-year tenure as Principal at Desert Sky and Rincon Vista Middle Schools (2002-2010), earning recognition as the Principal of an Excelling School five times by the Arizona Department of Education.

From 2010 to 2018, Carney took on the role of Beyond Textbooks Executive Director within the Vail School District, further showcasing his capacity for visionary leadership and driving impactful initiatives. This period was marked by significant achievements, including the Digital Content and Curriculum Achievement Award from the Center for Digital Education in 2014, the Visionary Award from EDTech Digest in 2012, and the prestigious Sylvia Charp Award for Innovation In Educational Technology from the International Society for Technology in Education in 2011. His exceptional contributions to the field have been widely acknowledged through numerous accolades, including administrator of the year awards and recognition as one of Tucson’s top community leaders under 40. Holding a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, along with administrative and teaching certifications, Carney continues to shape the future of education.

School Administration

Megan Rodgers

Principal

Megan Rodgers

Ms. Rodgers received her Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Simpson College in 2001 and a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Northern Arizona University. She is a certified educator and reading specialist. She joined the La Paloma Academy team in 2009 as a 4th grade teacher and has served on the administrative team since 2013.

Ms. Rodgers is passionate about creating lifelong learners through engaging curriculum, character education, and community involvement. Her philosophy of leadership emphasizes the importance of building relationships and creating a strong community by partnering with families and staff.

Delisa Alday

Assistant Principal

Delisa Alday

Mrs. Alday received her Masters of Education in elementary education with distinction from Northern Arizona University in 2008. She joined the La Paloma Academy team in 2010, where she taught 4th grade for five years. In addition to teaching 4th grade, Mrs. Alday has also taught kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grade.

Mrs. Alday’s goals include creating a positive learning environment where all students feel safe to learn, and helping students become strong leaders in their own communities through character education.

Dylan Taylor

Assistant Principal

Dylan Taylor

Mr. Taylor received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary Education, graduating magna cum laude, from Arizona State University in 2011. He started teaching at La Paloma Academy in 2012, where he taught 6th grade before moving to Jr. High Science.

Originally from South Carolina, Mr. Taylor spent most of his childhood in Tucson, less than 2 miles from the Lakeside Campus, and is proud to be able to serve the same community he grew up in.

Mr. Taylor is an advocate for discovery learning and data driven education. He is excited to help build upon the strong sense of community found at La Paloma Academy – Lakeside.

Andrew Cleaver

Director of Student Achievement

Andrew Cleaver

Mr. Cleaver received his Bachelors of Music in Music Education cum laude from The University of Arizona in 2012, and a Masters of Educational Leadership with distinction from Northern Arizona University in 2020. Since joining the LPA family in 2013, Mr. Cleaver has fulfilled several roles over the years, working as a teacher, an interventionist, a mentor, and an administrator among others. He aspires to use these experiences to help students and staff become and remain successful in any and all endeavors.

Mr. Cleaver is passionate about access to quality education regardless of background, and works to create an environment in which all students are known, loved, and prepared for the future.