Mrs. Leticia Castro, President

Mrs. Leticia Castro moved from Laveen to Goodyear in 2010. She was born and raised in California. She has worked in the field of education for more than 20 years service as recess monitor, teacher assistant, teacher, instructional coach, English Language Learner district coach, assistant principal and principal. She is currently the principal of John F. Long Elementary School in the Cartwright School District and was previously the principal of Brunson Lee in the Balsz School District. She is most proud of leading her team to move the school from a “D” label to a “B”.

Ms. Castro received her bachelor’s degree from Cal State Northridge in Liberal Arts with a Teaching Certificate, a master’s degree in Teaching from National University, and a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She is passionate about providing all scholars opportunities to find their passion and be successful. Ms. Castro believes that all students are capable of success, No Exceptions! She knows that schools make a positive difference in the lives of students and their families; therefore, she is committed to having the best schools in our communities.

Ms. Castro is married and has three children, one in college, one a senior in high school, and one attending Wildflower Elementary School. All three children attended an AESD school at some point in their education. She participated in the City of Goodyear LEAD program and was encouraged and motivated to pursue a role in serving her community. Her husband, Fernando, is currently completing the LEAD program. She is looking forward to offering her experience and knowledge to make all AESD schools A-rated schools.

Email: lcastro1@chooseAESD.org

Mr. David Griego, Governing Board Member

Mr. David Griego, Vice President

Mr. David Griego brings deep roots in Arizona and a strong commitment to educational excellence to his role on the Avondale Elementary School District Governing Board. A Phoenix native and current Goodyear resident of 15 years, Mr. Griego has three children spanning elementary, high school, and college levels—all of whom have benefited from their education within the Avondale Elementary School District.

As a military veteran and accomplished professional, Mr. Griego holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Technology. He currently serves in a leadership role with the City of Peoria, where he applies his expertise in technological innovation and public service.

In his position on the Governing Board, Mr. Griego champions several key priorities that shape his vision for the district's future. He is focused on attracting and retaining exceptional educators to maintain educational excellence, while also working to strengthen parent engagement and foster open communication between families and schools. Mr. Griego is committed to advancing the district's continuous improvement culture and building upon its established achievements. His unique combination of military service, technical expertise, and personal investment in the district as a parent makes him a valuable advocate for Avondale's educational community.

Email: dgriego @chooseAESD.org

Headshot of Mark Gonzalez smiling

Mr. Mark Gonzales, Board Member

Born and raised in Avondale, Mr. Gonzales is the Maintenance and Projects Manager for Agua Fria Union High School District. He attended Merced Jr. College in Merced, California, and Glendale Community College in Arizona working on a BA in Elementary Education. He is married and has two children, both products of Avondale Elementary School District. His grandchildren are fourth generation natives of Avondale along with fourth generation students of Avondale Elementary School District. He believes the District's main priority is optimizing the District's budget, creating and ensuring a safe, prosperous learning environment along with recruiting and retaining the best teachers and staff members. Mr. Gonzales enjoys helping and seeing the successes of all the children within the AESD communities, along with the successes of our teachers and staff by serving on the Governing Board. He has been a member since January 1993, serving as President from 1997 to January 2017 and again in January 2019 to January 2025.

Email: mgonzales@chooseAESD.org

Headshot of Robert Vernier

Mr. Robert Vernier, Board Member

Mr. Robert Vernier has served in public education since 2007. He was born and raised in a suburb just west of Detroit, MI and is a product of public schools. Mr. Vernier received his bachelor's degree in Communications Education from Eastern Michigan University in 2007, and his master's degree in School Counseling from Ottawa University in 2016. He spent nine years in the classroom before his current position as a school counselor at West-MEC.

Mr. Vernier is passionate about public schools and is dedicated to ensuring all students succeed. He has served on the board for Arizona Thespians since 2014, and completed the Fellowship Program with the Association for Career and Technical Education in Arizona. Mr. Vernier is a member of the Arizona and National School Counselor Association, as well as Arizona and National member of the Career Technical Education Association.

“I want to make sure that our students succeed. Every student has a different set of needs and they are often complex. We must do our best to be sure that we are preparing our community for its future needs in the best possible way.”

Email: rvernier@chooseAESD.org

Headshot of Dr. Heather Raithel, Governing Board member

Dr. Heather Raithel, Board Member

Dr. Raithel has over 20 years of experience in education having served as a paraeducator, general education and special education teacher, and teacher of English learners in a variety of locales including Texas, Montana, Thailand, Hawaii, Utah, and Arizona. She completed her master's degree at Utah State University with a focus on secondary transition for students with disabilities and earned a doctorate at ASU in Leadership and Innovation focused on special education compliance at the state level. Along with her teaching experience, she has served as a transition coordinator, compliance coordinator, and special education director. She has held multiple positions within Program Support and Monitoring at the Arizona Department of Education including as a Lead Specialist, State Systemic Improvement Plan Coordinator, and Secure Care Specialist. She is also a former employee of the district, previously supporting compliance in Exceptional Student Services.

She is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at Arizona State University in the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation where she supports student teachers pursuing dual certification in general and special education, teaches courses in general and special education, and leads and participates in a variety of projects and research focused on special education inclusion and educational advocacy.

Dr. Raithel has been a strong supporter of the Avondale Elementary School District since her family moved to Goodyear eight years ago and is a proud parent of two children at Desert Thunder. Her children have benefited greatly from an Avondale education and she hopes to further advocate for staff, parents, and especially students in her work on the Governing Board. Her husband is a residential faculty member in Life Sciences at Estrella Mountain Community College and is also an active member of the community.

She strongly believes that All Children are Capable of Success, No Exceptions, and hopes to be an advocate for all students, including those served in special education, English learners, and gifted students. She is looking forward to offering her educational expertise and passion for public schools to the Governing Board.

Email: hraithel@chooseAESD.org