Dr. Robert Caplinger
Laveen Elementary School
Dr. Robert Caplinger has been an educator for the past twenty eight years, serving as a classroom teacher, school counselor, assistant principal and principal. His experience spans preschool through twelfth grade. He is currently principal of Laveen Elementary School, a diverse [Prek-8] Title 1 school in Phoenix. During his five years at Laveen Elementary the students have shown consistent growth across ELA, math, and science and some of the lowest behavior referrals in the district. During these years he has led a talented child-centered staff on a journey that involved creating stronger relationships with students and parents that transformed the academic climate and culture. Laveen Elementary was awarded with the 2018 Golden Bell Award by the Arizona School Boards Association and the 2019 Exemplary Title 1 School Award by the Arizona Department of Education. These recognitions affirm his belief that a positive school environment directly affects academic achievement and this can be accomplished by being a school leader whose primary role is to create the conditions for others to be successful. It is this ongoing confidence in the abilities and talents of his teachers and staff that is the hallmark of the school's success.