Executive Leadership Team

Dale

Dale Ponder’s service with Crane Elementary School District began in March 2006, and previously served as the Chief of Finance and Operations for the last 11 years where he is responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of the Finance, School Nutrition, Pupil Transportation, Procurement, Facilities Maintenance, Risk Management, School Safety, and Information Technology Departments. A long-time advocate for Arizona’s public schools, Ponder served as President of the Arizona Association of School Business Officials (2022- 2023) and provided a deposition and trial testimony as a plaintiff district in the Glendale ESD v. State of Arizona capital funding lawsuit. He also serves as a Board Member for the Yuma Area Benefit Consortium (YABC), Valley Schools Management Group, the Education Foundation of Yuma County, Amberly’s Place, and the Education Finance Reform Group (EFRG).

Mr. Ponder enjoys the problem-solving nature of his work. “Identifying plausible solutions to best meet the unique needs of our schools, students, and staff members can be challenging. Because I work collaboratively with some of the most innovative, passionate, and caring group of professionals and leaders, I have the desire to push that much harder in my work.”

FUN FACT: He was selected by his peers to present a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC.

JENNIFER BOSCH, CHIEF OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

Jennifer Bosch has served as Crane’s Director of Finance since 2015 and brings more than 15 years of experience in school finance, purchasing, and financial management to her new role. Before becoming Director of Finance, Bosch served as Procurement Manager for Crane Schools from 2010 to 2015, where she oversaw procurement processes, bid development and evaluation, contract negotiations, and inventory and warehouse operations. She began her career in education as the Bookstore Manager at Gila Ridge High School in Yuma, where she managed the opening and daily operations of the school’s first bookstore and maintained financial reporting and audit documentation. Bosch holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Dakota State University and has been an active member of the Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) since 2015. Bosch chairs the Crane Schools Emergency Management and Safety Team, reflecting her broader commitment to district-wide planning, student well-being, and operational readiness.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending her children's sporting events, and enjoying the outdoors.

FUN FACT: My family owned and operated a car dealership for 98 years, with four generations working and managing the business.

DR. MIKE HOFFMAN, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Mike Hoffman is Assistant Superintendent of Crane Elementary School; he’s been with the district since 2001. Prior to his current position, Dr. Hoffman was a 3^rd and 5^th grade teacher, served as Principal at Valley Horizon Elementary School, and spent a year as the Director of the Curriculum Department.

He hails from the East Coast, having been born in Queens, New York. Dr. Hoffman boasts a career history that runs the gamut from the arts to education, with a little forestry and land surveying thrown in for good measure. Before becoming an educator, he was co-owner of La Reta Studios, where he worked on sculptures, exhibits, and theme attractions at businesses including SeaWorld, the Pittsburgh Children’s Zoo, and Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park in Utah.

As Assistant Superintendent,“There is rarely a typical day and I can approach my job with a service mindset. Nearly all my favorite memories involve listening and watching students demonstrate and show others what they’ve been working on – especially when they are keenly interested in what they’re discovering.”

FUN FACT: His former business built and installed the “McDonald’s T-Rex” in Tucson.

LUPE LEWIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMMUNICATIONS

Lupe Lewis is the Executive Director of Human Resources and Communications and has been part of the district since 2014. She is a self-described “HR Lady” and “Tech Geek” who uses her passions for recruitment and marketing to develop a culture of positivity and excellence in the district.

Mrs. Lewis was born and bred in Yuma, and graduated from Northern Arizona University. She earned a Masters degree from Arizona State University, that will helps her use digital strategies to communicate with the Crane learning community. She channels her creativity and passion for graphic design, to create informational and awareness campaigns, and spearheads staff appreciation activities and events.

In her position, she works closely with all school administrators and department leads on various projects throughout the year. “I love recruiting and meeting my future co-workers! The best part of recruitment is finding the candidate a great place to work.”

FUN FACT: In another life, she'd be a chef because she loves to cook.