Jeannette Bray Returns to Prescott, Accepts Principal Position at Abia Judd Elementary School
By Tara Fort • Photo by Heather DeSousa
Jeanette Bray has come home to her Prescott family and community. This year, she accepted the Abia Judd Elementary School Principal position with the Prescott Unified School District (PUSD). The move represents a return to her roots: she started working for PUSD in 2015. She then taught in both Chino Valley and Prescott Valley before becoming the Mile High Middle School Assistant Principal in 2019. In 2022, she transferred to Prescott High School as an assistant principal.
When she accepted an out-of-state position in the 2023-24 school year, she quickly realized her heartstrings were pulling her back to her Prescott family and community. “I had an opportunity to work as a superintendent to a small K-12 school on the outskirts of Yellowstone in Gardiner, Montana,” she said. “The experience was wonderful, but while there I missed my PUSD family and my own family too much to really enjoy myself. As a result, I applied for the Abia Judd Principalship when it came open and was beyond excited when they offered the position to me.”
She added, “I had spent quite a bit of time working with the lower grade levels in Montana and realized how much I enjoyed it. This new position offers me the best of both worlds—working in Prescott and being involved with the grade school population.”
As a long-time educator, Jeanette has built relationships with families she continues to see every day throughout town. “Life becomes full circle when the children of my former students come to my school. Having worked at multiple schools means I have extended family on multiple campuses. I enjoy working with these people who help me work through all the various challenging parts about being in public education. I don’t get that level of support anywhere else, and it is extremely important and gratifying.”
Embracing her role as principal, Jeanette added, “I feel like I can make a difference and motivate teachers, build teams and create momentum towards greatness; and I can also work with students to make sure they are given everything they need to be successful.”
Outside of the school setting, Jeanette is an avid fly-fisherwoman who spends most of her time outdoors. She and her husband, a Prescott police officer, have three boys. Jeanette said, “After marrying and working at the Grand Canyon as a mule guide and trail crew, I went into education in order to be able to be the best mom I could to my twins.”
With her extensive and successful career, Jeanette’s future looks promising in her new role. PUSD Superintendent Clark Tenney said, “We are very enthusiastic to have Dr. Bray re-join our PUSD family this year as Principal of Abia Judd Elementary School! Jeannette is an experienced school leader who is a collaborator, a listener and deep thinker, and a great decision maker. We are really excited to see how she will support Abia Judd’s students, families, and staff members. Expect great things at AJ this year!”
For information about Jeannette Bray, Abia Judd Elementary School or Prescott Unified School District, visit www.prescottschools.com.