Dr. Cecilia Maes became Superintendent of the Alhambra Elementary School District (AESD) on July 1, 2021. Before joining the Alhambra family, she spent 15 years at the Cartwright Elementary School District where she served our neighboring district as Deputy Superintendent of District Operations, Director of Special Services, School Principal, and Assistant Principal. However, her career in education began as a teacher and instructional coach at the Glendale Elementary School District.

Dr. Maes is a proud mom and wife who considers education her calling. She is passionate about inspiring and empowering children along with the adults who serve them. She is committed to ensuring AESD schools are caring and nurturing environments where both students and staff are supported to be their best.

Originally from San Diego, CA, Dr. Maes spent half of her childhood there raised by her grandfather and the other half with her grandmother and uncle in El Paso, TX. She moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1999 as a proud Sun Devil, earning her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate from Arizona State University. She has since called Phoenix home and is proud to serve the Alhambra Community, which also happens to be where she first lived when arriving to The Grand Canyon State.