Amy Negrete

Marion Cahlan Elementary School
Clark County School District
North Las Vegas, Nevada
negreaj@nv.ccsd.net

Cahlan Elementary’s assistant principal describes principal Amy Negrete as a true leader who inspires her team by walking with them, not in front of them. Negrete has dedicated her career to serving children at Title I schools, and under her leadership, Marlon Cahlan Elementary has made notable gains, particularly in mathematics, with the school now exceeding countywide levels of mathematics proficiency by 10 percent. Since 2016, Marlon Cahlan Elementary has received a Shining Star School designation each year, a statewide award that is reserved for high-performing schools with a high percentage of students experiencing poverty. With the knowledge that every minute of every day counts in ensuring student success, Negrete has implemented differentiated learning to challenge students who are excelling and to support struggling learners, with additional afterschool and Saturday tutoring available. Constant data analysis of student performance and growth-oriented goal-setting have allowed the school to maintain its upward trajectory and reach targets for student success. Negrete’s open-door leadership is marked by collaboration and a focus on developing a positive atmosphere for students, parents, and staff. Negrete encourages her staff to become teacher leaders and makes sure to celebrate their successes. The result has been a low turnover rate in hiring and a concomitant strengthening of the school community. Negrete holds an M.A. from Nova Southeastern University and a B.A. from University of Northern Iowa.