Raena Janes
Charter Holder
District Administration
Jackie Trujillo, M.A.
Superintendent/Title IX Coordinator
William Rubasch, M.ED
Chief Operating Officer
Kris Johnson
Assistant Superintendent/Federal Grants
Kevin Carney
Chief Officer of Leadership and Learning
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.
Principal
Sean Watins
Principal
Dedicated to student success, Mr. Watins encourages high academic achievement and well-developed, upstanding personal character. He strives to offer an environment where everyone who wants to succeed can do so. Mr. Watins also provides professional development opportunities for La Paloma teachers, including technical training.
Mr. Watins has 20 years of experience with La Paloma Academy schools, serving as a vice principal, Title I coordinator, 1st grade teacher, and after-school director. He is an Arizona certified teacher with a reading specialist endorsement.
Raised in Arizona, Mr. Watins has lived in Tucson his entire adult life, aside from the three years he served as a U.S. Army infantry soldier. He spends his free time mountain biking, hunting, shooting, praying, golfing, snowboarding, and more.
VICE PRINCIPAL
Karen Crandall
Vice Principal
Mrs. Crandall became part of the La Paloma Academy family over 20 years ago. Her boys, who are now adults, attended the Midtown and Central campuses. She was a classroom parent, led the Parent Teacher Organization, and volunteered in many different areas.
After retiring from Pima County Superior Court, Mrs. Crandall worked as the District Attendance Officer and then as the Social Worker at La Paloma South. She became the Assistant Principal in the 21-22 school year.
Dedicated to meeting the needs of students and families, Mrs. Crandall is passionate about building relationships, bringing SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) curriculum to each classroom, and helping South Campus to become a Trauma-Informed community.
In her spare time, Mrs. Crandall enjoys everything DIY, crafting, cross-stitch, and reading. She especially adores being a Nonie to her grandchildren!!
Shuanna Fuentes
Federal Programs Administrator
Mrs. Fuentes received her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with specifics in Education, Spanish and Mexican American Studies from the University of Arizona in 2010. She received her Masters in Special Education from Grand Canyon University in 2015.
Since 2010 Mrs. Fuentes has been a part of the La Paloma Academy family in different roles; after school teacher, paraprofessional, substitute teacher, to special education teacher.
Mrs. Fuentes’ goal is to cheer on every student who comes through our doors and support them with meaningful relationships, academic excellence and attainable goals.
Mrs. Fuentes enjoys being home and finding new ideas to try. She especially loves having fun at the movies with her husband, daughter and twin boys.
