WESTERN: CFA ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW SUPERINTENDENT
Western School of Science and Technology: A Challenge Foundation Academy (“Western: CFA”) is excited to
welcome Dr. Tamela Harris, who will become the school’s new Superintendent on July 1, 2024. Dr. Harris replaces
Superintendent Makowske, who is stepping down after leading Western: CFA for the past four years.
Dr. Tamela Harris’s career uniquely combines her scientific and educational expertise. Following her Bachelor of
Science in Chemistry, she initially worked as a chemist in quality control at Johnson Products in Chicago. She then
transitioned into education as a science teacher, where she applied her scientific knowledge to enrich student
learning. Her journey as a middle school principal for six years deepened her understanding of classroom
dynamics. Her deep understanding of classroom challenges and student-teacher interactions gained there led her
to higher leadership roles. As Deputy Superintendent, she oversaw 13 Arizona Legacy Traditional Schools, further
developing her administrative capabilities. Tamela then elevated to Associate Superintendent, supervising all
Deputy Superintendents across the Legacy Traditional Schools network. This role exemplified her ability to manage
complex educational systems. In her recent position as Senior Director of Academic Leadership/Associate
Superintendent at Legacy Traditional Schools in Nevada and Texas, she demonstrated strategic prowess in
managing academic content, federal programs, and grants. Tamela’s academic pursuits, including her Doctor of
Education and a Master of Education, complement her practical experience and dedication to systemic change and
research-based educational policies.
The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Dr. Harris to campus and confident that she will lead the school to
fulfill its vision to be the first “A”-rated public high school in the Maryvale community. “Western has been
fortunate to have great leaders since the very beginning. Each has been the right leader at the right time. It is clear
to me that Dr. Harris is ideally suited to successfully lead Western in the next chapter of the school’s academic
growth and student success beyond graduation,” states Board President Mr. Jay Kaprosy.
Dr. Harris is dedicated to the mission and vision of Western: CFA: “My heart has been overflowing with joy from
witnessing the deep connections among family, friends, and the community here at Western. The unity and
support that I have seen are truly inspiring.” Dr. Harris is excited to continue Western: CFA traditions such as
Warrior Meeting, AVID, sports programming, and Cafecitos. “These traditions represent some of the best parts of
our Warrior culture and I am excited to participate in them moving forward.”
“Western: CFA is fortunate to have such an experienced educational leader coming on board as our next
superintendent. After working side-by-side for the past month, I am confident that Dr. Harris will lead us to reach
our goals and our vision,” stated Ms. Makowske.
Western: CFA was founded in 2014 with the explicit vision of being the first “A”-rated public high school in the
Maryvale community. Since it opened, it has indeed been the highest-performing high school in the Maryvale
neighborhood.
