Toppenish School District Announces Interim Elementary And High School Principals For 2025-2026 School Year (Photo) - 08/29/25

The Toppenish School District is pleased to announce the appointments of Cynthia (Cyndy) Valdez and Patty Diaz as interim principals for the 2025–2026 school year. These appointments reflect the district’s commitment to strong leadership, continuity, and community engagement while laying the foundation for long-term success.

Garfield Elementary Welcomes Interim Principal Patty Diaz

A proud graduate of Toppenish schools and a lifelong community member, Patty Diaz has been named Interim Principal of Garfield Elementary. Patty has dedicated 29 years to education, with 19 of those years serving students and families in the Toppenish School District.

Her career has spanned roles as a bilingual and reading recovery teacher, ELL coordinator, reading coach, state and federal programs director, preschool director, and principal of Lincoln Elementary, where she served for seven years. Most recently, she has led as the district’s director of academics.

As a Toppenish graduate and parent of three children who also attended Toppenish schools, Patty’s deep ties to the community reflect her personal and professional mission: to build strong relationships, foster equity, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Toppenish High School Welcomes Interim Principal Cynthia (Cyndy) Valdez

The district also welcomes Cynthia (Cyndy) Valdez as Interim Principal at Toppenish High School. With more than 20 years in educational leadership, Cyndy brings extensive experience across all levels of schooling. She has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, elementary and secondary principal, district administrator, and most recently as director of migrant and multilingual services at the North Central Educational Service District.

Her career is marked by a deep commitment to equity, multilingual education, and family engagement. She has been recognized at the state and national levels, including as State Migrant Administrator of the Year and Project GLAD® Trainer of the Year. Biliterate and bicultural in English and Spanish, Cyndy brings a valuable perspective rooted in her own family’s history of migrant farm work in Washington.

Interim Appointments Provide Stability and Pathways Forward

The decision to appoint interim principals for the 2025–2026 school year came after thoughtful conversations with both staff and families. This approach ensures stability for our schools while allowing highly qualified candidates, including both Ms. Diaz and Ms. Valdez, the opportunity to apply for the ongoing roles in the future.