Principal

Good Day,

I am very excited to enter my third year as Principal of Valley View Leadership Academy.

This will be my 30th year in public education. I started my career in the Apache Junction School District by teaching 4th grade and 6th grade. After six years in the classroom, I then became the Career Ladder and Staff Development Coordinator along with acting as the District Hearing Officer. During this period of time, I was named the Principal of Peralta Trail Elementary School, in which I had the opportunity to design and watch over the construction; Truly an amazing experience. 

After nine years at Peralta, I was asked by the district to combine two middle schools into one junior high due to a school closure. While combing two staffs and two student bodies, we also incorporated the 1:1 computer philosophy. Two years later, the district asked me to become the high school principal which I  enjoyed for the past six years. Like my junior high experience, we incorporated the 1:1 philosophy in the high school setting. The best part of the story is every time I was asked to move levels/schools it coincided with my daughter’s schooling. She had the “pleasure” of having me as her principal kindergarten through high school graduation. As you can imagine, I enjoyed the experience more than her; unless she needed money. 

I look forward to serving Valley View students, staff, and parents. From the staff I have now know for a couple of years, I can see the dedication for our students. I look forward to continuing the many traditions of Valley View as we move forward. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. 

Larry Laprise    Phone: (602)232-4980  ext. 10601

Email: lawrence.laprise@rsd.k12.az.us

Assistant Principal

Greetings!

My name is Brad Pelton. I am excited to join the Valley View Leadership Academy community as Assistant Principal for the 2022-2023 school year.

My career in public education began in Washington State. I graduated from Eastern Washington University with a B.A. in Special Education K-12. I also earned my M.Ed. in Education Leadership with Principal Certification from EWU. Go Eags!

I began my career in the classroom as a Special Education Teacher in Spokane, WA. I served as the leader of a Self-Contained Special Education Behavior Intervention program. 

In 2020, my wife and I moved to Phoenix, AZ. I had the opportunity to transition to the high school level where I accepted a position at Sunnyslope High School. At Sunnyslope, I served as a Teacher on Special Assignment. My position included being a part-time Dean of Students and Special Education teacher.  

In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, skiing, hiking, and hanging out with my 2 dogs. 

As I get started, I am eager to build relationships as quickly as possible so that I can be an effective support to this community. I encourage students/families to introduce themselves when they see me in the building and I invite anyone to reach out to me if I can be a support in any way. I look forward to working with all of you and to having a strong and productive year together. 

Have a great day, the Eagle way!

Brad Pelton    Phone: (602)232-4980  ext. 10602

Email: bradley.pelton@rsd.k12.az.us