New Title, Same Dedication: Armijo Named Principal of Award-Winning Moorpark Preschools
Deonna Armijo, who was recently promoted form coordinator to principal, stands with the Moorpark Unified School District Board and Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays during Board’s May 21 meeting.
MOORPARK, Calif. (May 27, 2025)—The Moorpark Unified School District Board of Education voted May 21 to promote Deonna Armijo to principal of Moorpark Preschools, a title change that reflects both her outstanding leadership and the program’s growth.
“This title change is really to recognize the scope of responsibility and leadership Deonna brings to the role,” said Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays. “She has built a program that delivers exceptional early-learning experiences and inclusive environments for our youngest learners. She more than deserves the title of principal.”
Armijo, who has served as program coordinator since 2018, will continue overseeing the three-site preschool program, which serves approximately 165 students.
Moorpark Preschools has received numerous distinctions under Armijo’s leadership.
In April, the program was awarded a 5-star quality rating by the Ventura County Office of Education and was selected as one of only four demonstration sites statewide for Supporting Innovative Practices (SIP), a California initiative focused on equitable education for students with disabilities.
As principal, Armijo remains responsible for guiding instruction, managing budgets, coordinating staff development and leading collaboration efforts with families and community partners.
Her prior roles include assistant principal at Chaparral Middle School, dean of students at Campus Canyon and teacher at Mesa Verde Middle School.
“I’m honored to serve as principal and to continue working with a team that is so deeply committed to high-quality early learning,” Armijo said. “This program reflects our staff’s dedication and our community’s belief in the importance of preschool.”
Moorpark Preschools operates at the Early Childhood Center on Flory Avenue as well as at Walnut Canyon and Campus Canyon schools.
As a SIP demonstration site, the program will begin hosting educators from across California this fall to share best practices in instruction.
Enrollment is underway for Moorpark Preschools, and families may learn more or begin the registration process by calling (805) 348-6311 or visiting ecc.mrpk.org.