YUHSD superintendent announces retirement from working in education for 33 years
Yuma High School District Superintendent Gina Thompson announced her retirement
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma High School District (YUHSD) Superintendent Gina Thompson announced her retirement after working in Yuma for 33 years where she has worked as an English teacher, assistant principal, associate superintendent and as a superintendent.
The Yuma High School District Governing Board accepted Thompson's retirement by way of a 5-0 vote on September 20, 2022, she will officially retire on June 2, 2023 said YUHSD.
Gina Thompson has been the YUHSD Superintendent since October 2017, where she started the position in an interim role and officially became the Superintendent in February 2018.
“Who would have known that a ‘brief’ visit to my parents, who relocated to Yuma, would result in finding my home?” Thompson said. “It has been such an honor, privilege and quite a ride being a part of YUHSD70. The opportunities presented in this district and in our Yuma community have allowed me to grow professionally and personally. It’s a difficult thing to put into words what the three decades here has meant to me. I am forever grateful for the many leaders and mentors who have supported me and the work of our students throughout my career.”
According to the YUHSD, Thompson has helped increase the graduation rate, lowered the dropout rate, grew in the area of Career and Technical Education and also helped secure funding for the construction of Somerton High School.
Thompson also introduced the district's Portrait of a Graduate initiative that will roll out during the 2022-2023 school year that is a culmination of the college, career and community preparedness mission the district has touted during the past decade-plus said the YUHSD.
“I am leaving a group of the most dedicated teachers and staff, a team of committed and talented administrators at campuses and the district office, and I know full well they will continue the special work happening in our district,” she said. “I believe in outcomes and actions and will continue to be relentless in the work for EVERY student’s opportunity to be college, career and community prepared upon graduation.”
