FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 25, 2022

Combs High School Administrators Celebrate Retirement

SAN TAN VALLEY, ARIZ. - As the school year draws to a close, so do the careers of two esteemed members of the Combs High School leadership team. After years of commitment to public education, Principal Chris Farabee and Assistant Principal Scott Sheldon, have announced their retirement from the J.O. Combs Unified School District.

Chris Farabee has worked on high school campuses since 1990, starting his career as a high school varsity soccer coach. Over time, Farabee's career transitioned from serving in roles as an educator to roles as an administrator. He has previously served as a teacher in two large districts, Tempe Union High School District and Mesa Public Schools, and has served as an administrator in Mesa Public Schools, the Chandler Unified School District, and most recently a principal within the J.O. Combs Unified School District.

When asked about his greatest accomplishment during his tenure at Combs, Farabee shared, "I am most proud of the academic climate created with professional staff members here at Combs High School. The climate today is far more academically and student focused and it has allowed us to make notable academic gains."

In retirement, Farabee plans to spend time in the mountains with family and friends. He has also been named the Youth Academy Director for Real Salt Lake Arizona for the soccer development of competitive players ages seven to ten years old at the Chandler location.

Scott Sheldon has worked as a proud educator for the past 39 years. He began his career in education in 1983 where he taught and coached for nine years prior to working as an administrator. He worked in various roles in Minnesota as well as Yuma, Arizona prior to moving to Kansas for a role in high school administration in 1991. After living in Kansas for 24 years ,where he also raised his children, Sheldon and his wife Michelle moved back to Arizona. He has spent the last four years serving in his role at Combs High School.  

Sheldon shared, "I have loved every minute working with the students, staff and community here at Combs High School. I will miss you all, and I thank you for accepting me into the Combs family."

Once retired, Sheldon plans to enjoy traveling, watch his grandkids grow up, and play golf. 

"Our District will forever be grateful for the experience and knowledge that Chris and Scott have brought to Combs High School during these years of tremendous growth," said Dr. Greg Wyman. "Their relationships with our community, passion for innovation, and impact on the lives of students and staff will not be forgotten."

As announced in March, the J.O. Combs Unified School District Governing Board has unanimously approved the selection of Tayna Loftis and April Kutchinski as the new Principal and Assistant Principal for the upcoming school year.

For more information about the J.O. Combs Unified School District, please visit www.jocombs.org or call (480) 987-5300.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kayla Fulmer, Director of Marketing & Community Relations

J.O. Combs Unified School District

[email protected]

O: (480) 987-5322 | M: (480) 252-4482

About J.O. Combs Unified School District

Located in San Tan Valley, Arizona, the J.O. Combs Unified School District is a community of learners collaborating to ensure maximum academic and social growth for all students. Combs utilizes research-based practices and strategies delivered by highly competent employees who are committed to excellence in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. Through five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, Combs proudly serves over 4,400 students annually, offering a comprehensive college and career ready educational environment.