Dr. Aarion L. Gray
Principal
785-438-4480
Dr. Aarion L. Gray is an accomplished educator with over 20 years of experience and has served as an elementary and secondary school administrator, elementary teacher, technology facilitator, literacy coach, counselor, college professor, and principal mentor. He has served students in both urban and rural school districts for over 20 years and was recognized as one of Topeka's Top 20 Under 40 in 2014 and Topeka Public Schools Distinguished Staff recipient in 2022 for his impact on students and his work in the community.
In addition, Dr. Gray has served on numerous committees and boards to improve outcomes for students, including the Kansas Education Commissioner's Blue Ribbon Task Force to address teacher shortages. As part of this task force, he was able to provide insight into how school districts might attract and retain educators across the state. Dr. Gray is a passionate educator who understands the urgency of now and is intentional in ensuring structures and processes are in place, which enables both staff and students to achieve at high levels.
Dr. Gray believes that having the right social-emotional supports in place is critical for a student's overall success. For his work in this area, he received the Counselor Standard of Excellence Award in 2011. He also received the Vivian Scales Education Award in 2015, an award presented to individuals who have demonstrated excellence, faithfulness, and diligent service to the educational system.
Dr. Gray earned his Bachelor and Master of Science from Jackson State University, where he also earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration and Supervision. He has three children, Braylon, Zoey, and Greyson. His motto is, “Success is helping others reach their full potential.”
Ms. Heather Garcia
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Heather Garcia is starting her twentieth year in education. She is a product of Topeka Public Schools, attending Lowman Hill, Robinson and Topeka High. She earned her bachelors in Elementary Education from Washburn University and furthered her education by earning a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Fort Hays State University.
Mrs. Garcia was excited to return to Topeka Public Schools to start her career in education. She has served in the role of classroom teacher, instructional coach and dean of students, providing her with a diverse background.
Mrs. Garcia is a passionate educator who is dedicated to ensuring all students receive a high-quality education and enjoys spending time with her family.
Mr. Allen Lake
Building Administrative Intern
Mr. Allen Lake is a dedicated educator from Topeka, KS. He holds a Bachelor of Education Degree in Special Education from Washburn University and a Master of Science in High-Incidence Special Education from Emporia State University.
Currently pursuing a Master of Educational Leadership from Kansas State University, Mr. Lake has eight years of experience working with Topeka Public Schools, teaching various subjects such as Special Education, 3rd Grade, and 5th Grade at McEachron Elementary. He actively participates in the District Summer Academic Learning Program and serves on several committees, including the Building Leadership Team, Ci3T Team, Math Curriculum and Assessment Team, and the Innovation Academy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he contributed to the District Video Team, creating instructional materials for 3rd Grade Reading and online activities for math and reading district-wide. Mr. Lake's commitment to education has been recognized, as he was nominated as the 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year for Elementary for Region 2.
Prior to joining Topeka Public Schools, he worked as a bus driver and paraprofessional at Seaman USD 345 and was actively involved in his children's elementary school PTO for five years.