Built on the Six Pillars of Character

Trustworthiness
Respect
Responsibility
Fairness
Caring
Citizenship

As a mother of two and the operator of three successful schools, Arizona Charter Schools Director Raena Janes saw a need for greater access to high-quality, well-run educational institutions―not only for Arizona’s children, but for everyone’s children. She wanted to see more schools that went beyond just teaching to tests, schools that also prepared students to be positive, successful members of their community. With the help of a team of educators equally committed to effective, well-rounded, and safe learning environments for every child, Raena created Arizona Charter Schools to provide support services and business management to aid in the development of new schools and the successful improvement of existing schools.

Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona Charter Schools provides services for educators in any state developing charter, Montessori, or private schools. To find out more, please call or email today.

Our Mission

Arizona Charter Schools is committed to establishing exemplary non-profit educational institutions offering the highest-quality education and the means for children to achieve their full potential, not only as well-rounded students, but also as lifelong responsible citizens.

Our Team

Director

Raena Janes

rj@arizonacharterschools.org

Raena Janes has been an active advocate for education for many years, striving to build a solid foundation for every child. She is the owner, founder, and charter holder of La Paloma Academy, Tucson, Arizona’s largest and fastest-growing charter school system. The school received the State of Arizona’s 2005 Excellence in Education Award.

Raena aspires to educate children not only academically, but also on how to be outstanding citizens. Her educational focuses include individualized instruction, incorporation of extracurricular activities, and emphasis on the importance of family and community values.

Raena has an extensive background in grant writing and is an active member in several non-profit community organizations, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, the Advisory Council for the Arizona Charter Schools Association, and the Junior League of Tucson. Raena received Tucson’s 40 Under 40 Award, and was also named Tucson’s 40 Under 40 Mentor of the Year in 2008.

Raena Janes is thrilled to bring her award-winning educational philosophies and experience to every Arizona Charter Schools school.

M.Ed., Chief Operating Officer

William G. Rubasch, Jr.

wrubasch@arizonacharterschools.org

William Rubasch Jr. has been a part of La Paloma Academy for 13 years. He began as a teacher working in the music, science, and math departments, and now serves as Chief Operating Officer. Since joining the district, he has had the opportunity to work with many of the school’s incredible staff members to foster a truly exceptional place of learning. He is a consummate teacher who, even in his current administrative role, is dedicated to inspiring the team around him to greater heights of achievement and familiarity with their roles. Rubasch regularly meets with investors and school administrators, offering continual support and practical coaching, as well as giving the Arizona Charter Schools support team insight on the fiscal health and workings of their institutions. Rubasch recently secured a $20-million bond to fund and expand La Paloma Academy’s three campuses.

William holds a Bachelor of Science in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University.

M.A., Superintendent

Jackie Trujillo

jtrujillo@arizonacharterschools.org

Jackie Trujillo is the Superintendent of La Paloma Academy, Liberty Traditional Charter School, and Heritage Elementary School. She works to develop quality programs in which all students can demonstrate achievement. Trujillo monitors educational performance and oversees curriculum, instruction, and assessment. In addition, she works with the principals of each campus to address the teachers’ needs through high-quality professional development opportunities.

As an administrator, former principal, former teacher, and parent, Trujillo is passionate about working to improve the instruction at the schools under her charge, through unified instructional practices and methods of assessment. She has experience with whole language, balanced literacy, and collaborative group work; curriculum-based measurements (CBMs); and reading assessment (DIBELS).

Trujillo is an Arizona-certified superintendent, principal, and teacher. She earned her master’s degree in bilingual/multicultural education from Northern Arizona University and completed all the coursework for the doctoral program in educational leadership through the University of Phoenix.

Administrative Assistant/Accounts Payable

Mary Jo Rubasch

Mary Jo Rubasch has been a part of La Paloma Academy since 2013. The welcoming, smiling face at the front desk, Mary Jo works with many of the Arizona Charter Schools administrators on a day-to-day basis, including Superintendent Jackie Trujillo and COO William Rubasch, to keep operations, meetings, schools, and accounts running smoothly, and bills paid.

Mary Jo earned a Business Program degree from Itasca Community College in Minnesota, an associate degree from Pima Community College, and has completed coursework in Pima College’s Legal Assistant Program. She served as the assistant to the former U.S. Commissioner of Education at the University of Arizona.

Accounting and Payroll

Andy Huffman

Andy Huffman joined Arizona Charter Schools in January 2016. He brings 25 years of experience to his role overseeing Human Resources and Accounting for all the schools.

With an extensive background in the day-to-day operation of movie theatres throughout Arizona, including accounting, budgeting, marketing, and team management, Andy is well-versed in problem solving and effectively managing the complicated job of overseeing accounting for multiple locations. He applies this knowledge to his role with the seven schools across the state which belong to Arizona Charter Schools.

A Tucson native, he studied at both the University of Arizona and Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. As a self-described people person, he loves the challenges he is able to tackle on a daily basis and the friendly work environment which fosters a team approach to success.

Facilities Director

Justin Hernandez

Justin has been a member of Arizona Charter Schools for 12 years. He currently serves as the Facilities Director for all seven Arizona Charter School campuses throughout Arizona. Justin leads all elements of each campus’ needs, from construction to student transportation. He travels the state to make sure each principal’s vision and goals are complete from a facility standpoint. Justin is an invaluable member of the Arizona Charter Schools staff.