SFPS today announced the appointment of Alyssa Maestas, a Santa Fe native and SFPS graduate, as principal of Salazar Elementary School beginning on July 1st. Maestas, who is assistant principal of Cesar Chavez Elementary School, will assume the position held by Jule’ Skoglund, who has decided to return to the classroom after six years as principal.
“Alyssa Maestas will smoothly transition as Salazar’s leader given Jule’ Skoglund’s legacy as principal. She will continue Salazar’s strong school culture and educational program in partnership with families and the school community to ensure student success and well being. We wish Jule’ the best as she moves back to the classroom, which is where her heart is taking her,” said Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez.
Maestas said, “I am honored to be joining the Salazar community as their new leader. As principal, I am looking forward to this amazing opportunity where my passions will help to inspire teaching and learning endeavors. I will ensure that every child is provided with an exceptional educational experience where academic excellence and social emotional wellness are a priority. I am confident that we will further enhance a thriving community. I will miss the White Tiger family at Cesar Chavez tremendously and keep the community close to my heart. I will remain grateful to have served as their assistant principal and to have learned so much from their incredible team.”
Maestas served as assistant principal at Cesar Chavez in 2021-2022 where she established and maintained cooperative working relationships with students and families, helped shape and develop a school-wide culture to foster a productive and enthusiastic learning environment for each student and led instructional staff to improve teaching quickly and measurably.
As statewide PAX partner with Coop Consulting in 2020-21, she supported the implementation of PAX, an evidence-based social and emotional program, across New Mexico. From 2018-2020, she worked in SFPS as a first and second grade teacher at Amy Biehl Community School and from 2016-2018 taught first and third grades at Sweeney Elementary School. From 2015-2016, she was a development specialist with New Vistas in Santa Fe and from 2012-2014 she was a lead teacher with Growing Up New Mexico (formerly United Way of Santa Fe).
She holds an educational administration certificate from New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) (2022), a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction (TESOL) from NMHU (2021) and Bachelor of Arts in Education from Eastern New Mexico University (2015).