New principals to lead Cesar Chavez Elementary and ECO Magnet School

SFPS Announces Two New Principals for 2018-2019

By Santa Fe Public Schools

Santa Fe, NM –  SFPS announced the appointment of new principals to lead Cesar Chavez Elementary School and Early College Opportunities Applied Science Magnet School (ECO).  Amanda Chavez-Williams was appointed principal of Cesar Chavez Elementary School and Michael Hagele was appointed principal for ECO.

“Amanda Chavez-Williams and Michael Hagele are accomplished educators and transformational leaders.  Each will impact students and the community through a stellar focus on high-quality learning and relationship building with families and communities,” said Superintendent Dr. Veronica C. Garcia.

Mrs. Chavez-Williams has 11 years of experience, including as assistant principal at Cesar Chavez Elementary School and teaching general and special education in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.  She also served as 21st Century Site Coordinator for Amy Biehl Community School.

“I have fallen in love with Cesar Chavez Elementary School.  Being a child who grew up on the south side of Santa Fe, it naturally became a home to me and all the stakeholders my family.  Its potential for greatness is limitless. I am overjoyed and honored to be working with this community,” said Mrs. Chavez-Williams.

Mr. Hagele has 14 years of experience with SFPS, including six years as assistant principal at Capital High School where he assisted in building the current career pathways at the school, providing students with innovative educational opportunities to help prepare them for success in college and careers.  Most recently, he served as the district secondary school reform facilitator.

“I am excited and honored to serve the students, staff and Santa Fe community as principal of the Early College Opportunities Applied Science Magnet School and look forward to working with the staff and community of ECO to ensure a unique educational opportunity for all students,” said Mr. Hagele.

Mrs. Chavez-Williams holds double bachelor degrees from The University of New Mexico in General Education and Special Education, with a minor in math, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Mr. Hagele holds a bachelor’s degree in integrative philosophy and Christian education from Wheaton College and a master’s degree in educational leadership from The University of New Mexico.

He facilitated strategic planning for the New Mexico Higher Education Department’s GEAR UP program in 2017.  GEAR UP, a federal program funded in 17 states, seeks to increase the number of students going to postsecondary schools.  He is the founder and owner of Nonpareil LLC, an eCommerce company, and was chief of product advancement/customer satisfaction for Capture Education.

The schedule for staff, families, students and the community to meet Ms. Chavez and Mr. Hagele will be announced in early August.