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Administration
Tonya Rose, Principal
It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the principal of Tarkanian Middle School. I bring to this position many years of secondary experience. This is my twenty-second year with the Clark County School District (CCSD). I began my career with CCSD as an English teacher at Las Vegas High School. As I transitioned into administration, I also transitioned into middle school and that is where my devotion has been, to the middle school grades and students. I spent fifteen of my twenty-two years with CCSD in middle school. In my opinion, the middle school experience is pivotal for students’ academic growth and continued success.
Rori Romero, Assistant Principal
I am very excited to join the Tarkanian Middle School Shark family as one of the Assistant Principals. I grew up in Southern California and obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from California State University San Marcos. I have been a proud educator since 2011, here in Las Vegas. I taught Science at Cimarron-Memorial High School and Western High School before becoming an Assistant Principal. I was an Assistant Principal at Cannon Junior High School since July 2019 before making the move to become part of the Shark Family. I look forward to working with each and every one of you.
Jesica Benton, Assistant Principal
Hello, Tarkanian Middle School! I'm so excited to be a part of this incredible community. My journey in education began in 2002 as a special education teacher in Brooklyn, NY. In 2005, I made the move to Las Vegas and continued my passion for helping students succeed, first as a special education teacher and then as a data strategist at Del Sol High School. From there, I transitioned into administration, serving as a Dean at Cannon Junior High and later as an Assistant Principal at Western High School, Del Webb Middle School, and Nevada Virtual School.
When I'm not at school, I love spending time with my daughter, who will begin her journey as a University of Michigan freshman. #GOBLUE I also enjoy indulging in my two favorite things: a good cup of coffee and a trip to Disney! I look forward to connecting with all of you and working together to support our students.
Karren Hitchcock, Assistant Principal
I am excited to join the Tarkanian Middle School team! A Kansas native, I moved to Las Vegas in 1987 and raised my four children in the Clark County School District. I began my career in education in 2013 at Sunrise Mountain High School where I taught mathematics for 10 years. I transitioned to administration in January of 2024 as an assistant principal at Robison Middle School. I am passionate about education and believe in every student’s ability to learn and grow. I know that as we work together, we can help our students achieve great things and prepare for an ever changing world. In my personal time, I enjoy going to the gym, quilting, having dinner with friends, camping and other outdoor activities.
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