The Altar Valley School District is excited to introduce Mr. Riki Valdez as the new Principal of Altar Valley Middle School for the 2025–2026 school year. Mr. Valdez brings a wealth of experience in education and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments.
Mr. Valdez most recently served as the Assistant Principal at Utterback Middle School, an AVID National Demonstration School in Tucson. During his tenure, he was instrumental in transforming school culture, improving academic performance, and leading initiatives that included the introduction of Esports and the implementation of a state-of-the-art STEM lab. His leadership helped raise the school’s letter grade from a D to a B—a testament to his strategic vision and dedication to student success.
Throughout his career, Mr. Valdez has served in various roles including CTE Department Chair, Dean of Students, and teacher, developing a well-rounded perspective on the needs of students, teachers, and school communities. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, effective use of data to drive decisions, and ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families.
Mr. Valdez holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University, a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Northern Arizona University, and an Associate of Arts in Business Management. His professional journey is also marked by extensive involvement in extracurricular programming, student support services, and faculty development.
“I am honored to join the Altar Valley Middle School community,” said Mr. Valdez. “I look forward to working alongside students, families, and staff to continue building a culture of excellence, equity, and opportunity for every learner.”
Please join us in warmly welcoming Mr. Riki Valdez to Altar Valley. We are thrilled to have him on our team, and look forward to the leadership, innovation, and heart he will bring to our middle school community.
