Crane Schools Board Unanimously Names Dale Ponder Superintendent Starting July 1, 2026

Dale Ponder, Crane Schools chief of finance and operations, was named the district’s next superintendent and will assume the role on July 1, 2026. The governing board selected Ponder in a special meeting after interviewing him on Tuesday, Jan. 27, and the board voted to hire him unanimously.

Ponder succeeds Superintendent Laurie Doering, who plans to retire at the end of the current school year. Governing Board President Brenna Paulin expressed enthusiasm for the hire, saying, “We look forward to working with Mr. Ponder in the years ahead…The combination of his experience, proven results, and leadership in public education locally and statewide bring the complete package to crane. I am excited for the journey ahead.” Ponder praised Doering’s mentorship and the board’s vote, saying, “I am incredibly humbled and honored that the governing board is showing this confidence in me and my ability to lead the district,” he said. “Laurie has done a fantastic job as the leader of our school district and has made a huge impact to the community, and I'm blessed and fortunate that she was able and willing to invest in me and mentor me to help me be prepared for this. And so I just really appreciate the board's confidence and having me serve in that capacity.”

Ponder joined Crane Schools in 2006 and brings nearly 20 years of district experience. His district roles have included Executive Director of Management Services, Director of Finance, Director of Procurement, Procurement Manager, and his current post as Chief of Finance and Operations. He serves on executive boards for the Yuma Area Benefit Consortium, the Education Technology Consortium, the Education Finance Reform Group, and the Arizona Association of School Business Officials. His recognitions include the William Lovett Memorial Award from AASBO, Administrator of the Year from the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, and a Crane Schools “Leader in Learning” recognition.

For Yuma County residents, the appointment signals continuity in fiscal and operational leadership as the district navigates budgeting, transportation, nutrition programs, and school services. Ponder’s background in finance and procurement positions him to lead during decisions that affect classroom resources, taxpayer investment, and district staffing. Crane Schools’ stated mission is “Growing a community of curious change-makers through innovative problem solving,” and the board emphasized that background and local ties factored into choosing an internal candidate familiar with district systems.

The Crane Governing Board membership includes Brenna Paulin, President (term expires 2026); Keli Osborn, Clerk (term expires 2028); Jim Colby, Marcos Moore and Audrey Garcia (terms vary). Regular board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:00 pm at the Crane Governing Board Room, 930 S. Avenue C in Yuma, and proceedings are streamed on the district’s website. For more information contact Haydee Pardee, Grant Writer and Community Relations Coordinator, at (928) 373-3424 or the district office; Minnie Encinas is listed as an additional contact.

What this means for readers: Crane Schools will move into the next academic year with an experienced internal leader who has deep knowledge of district finances and operations, and community members will have opportunities to follow budget and policy choices at upcoming board meetings as Ponder transitions into the superintendent role.