Principal

Thank you for choosing Ironwood and the Marana Unified School District!  I have proudly called Marana my home since I moved here in 2006.  My wife and I believe this town is the perfect place to raise our three children.  We have found that the Marana community values family, tradition, and excellence, especially when it comes to our schools.

I know that you have many choices when it comes to choosing a school.  At Ironwood, it does not take long for people to realize that this is a special school characterized by warmth, kindness, and belonging.  You will find our school to be a place where we focus on the whole child.  We’re proud of our challenging academics, and feel strongly about character education, fine arts, citizenship, and community building.

As Ironwood Coyotes, we follow the HOWL code.  It is much more than a happy, positive chant to start each day.  It is a set of principles to live by!

‘H’ is for “Have respect and be kind”.  The first thing you see when entering campus is a giant mosaic that reads, “be kind”.  Respecting each other and treating one another with kindness is one of the most powerful things we can do.  Join us in teaching your children to greet others in a kind and respectful way.  Model for your children holding open doors for strangers, and removing your hat when indoors.  Reinforce respectful interactions in your home.

‘O’ is for “Obey the first time.”  Obedience to rightful authority is not only required in our society, it shows respect.  Students are expected to follow the directions of all teachers, aides, support staff, and administration.  Please partner with us in teaching our children to listen to adults the first time.  You will reap the rewards at home too!

‘W’ is for “Work it out peacefully.”  As a father, I have struggled with the fear that something will happen to my children.  In my heart, I know that this can be unhealthy, and furthermore, that I need to allow my children the space and time to work out their own minor problems – advocating for themselves.  

‘L’ is for “Live and act responsibly.”  At our core, we want to raise children who will become honest, trustworthy, and contributing members of our society.  We need to teach and show our children how to be responsible; with our personal things, our money, our assignments, and our relationships.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children, and I look forward to an amazing 2023-24 school year!