A New Chapter for Crane Schools:
Honoring Superintendent Doering and Welcoming Dale Ponder
Yuma, Arizona · February 2026
After 43 years of dedicated service to the Yuma community, Crane Schools Superintendent Laurie Doering will retire at the end of the current academic year. Her departure marks the close of a truly remarkable era — one defined by unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and a deep love for the children and families of Crane Schools. At the same time, the district looks confidently toward the future with the appointment of Mr. Dale Ponder as the next Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2026.
A Legacy 43 Years in the Making
Superintendent Doering's story with Crane Schools began in 1983 when she joined the district as a physical education teacher. Over the decades that followed, she rose steadily through the ranks — serving as a staff development teacher, assistant principal, and principal at three Crane schools — before being appointed Assistant Superintendent in 2014. In 2017, she assumed the district's highest leadership role as Superintendent.
Under her leadership, Crane Schools has grown into a district serving more than 5,400 students across 10 schools, from preschool through eighth grade. Her tenure has been marked by meaningful academic progress, a culture of continuous improvement, and a deep investment in the families and staff that make Crane a special place.
“It truly has been an honor working together to improve the lives of all children. Crane is a special place, and I know its brightest days are still ahead.”
— Superintendent Laurie Doering
Crane Schools Governing Board President Marcos Moore spoke warmly of the outgoing superintendent’s contributions: “Although we will miss Superintendent Doering’s steady leadership, she has positioned Crane Schools for continued success. I am grateful for her trust, ethical principles, open-mindedness, and most of all, her friendship. She is truly a lady of wisdom and class.”
Introducing the Next Superintendent: Dale Ponder
The Crane Schools Governing Board selected Mr. Dale Ponder as the district’s next superintendent following an interview process conducted on January 27, 2026. The appointment is a testament to the board’s commitment to continuity and to elevating proven talent from within the district’s own ranks.
Ponder has spent nearly 20 years with Crane Schools, most recently serving as Chief of Finance and Operations. In that role, he has provided strategic leadership across a wide range of departments including Finance, School Nutrition, Pupil Transportation, Procurement, Facilities Maintenance, Risk Management, School Safety, and Information Technology. His tenure has been recognized with multiple honors, including the William Lovett Memorial Award from the Arizona Association of School Business Officials, the Administrator of the Year award from the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce (2019), and recognition as a Leader in Learning for Crane Schools.
Beyond his work in Yuma, Ponder has been a vocal advocate for Arizona’s public schools statewide, serving as President of the Arizona Association of School Business Officials from 2022 to 2023 and providing testimony in the Glendale ESD v. State of Arizona capital funding lawsuit.
“While my background is in operations and finance, my purpose has always been rooted in students. Every budget decision, every system we improve, and every resource we allocate is ultimately about creating safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environments where every child can thrive.”
— Dale Ponder, Superintendent-Elect
Governing Board President Brenna Paulin expressed enthusiasm about the selection: “The combination of his experience, proven results, and leadership in public education locally and statewide bring the complete package to Crane. I am excited for the journey ahead.”
Superintendent Doering herself offered a warm endorsement of her successor: “Dale Ponder is the kind of leader who elevates everyone around him. Dale’s vision is bold, his heart is authentic, and his commitment to doing what is right is unwavering. I look forward to the new heights our district will reach under his leadership.”
A graduate of Berea College in Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Ponder is also known in the Yuma community as a public address announcer at local high school sporting events. He is married to his wife, Lyndsay, and they have two children.
Looking Ahead With Gratitude and Optimism
As Crane Schools prepares for this leadership transition, the entire district community is invited to pause and reflect on the extraordinary career of Superintendent Doering. From her first days as a PE teacher to her final chapter as superintendent, she has given four decades of her life to the children of Yuma with grace, integrity, and tireless dedication.
With Dale Ponder stepping into the role this July, Crane Schools is well-positioned to build upon that foundation. His deep familiarity with the district, his operational expertise, and his student-first philosophy signal a bright road ahead for the more than 5,400 students, families, and staff who call Crane Schools home.