INTRODUCING LIEAH BAPTISTO: THE NEW ATTENDANCE OFFICER

By Harrison J. Bahe

The Fort McDowell Education Division would like to take this opportunity to introduce Lieah Baptisto, the Nation’s new attendance officer! Baptisto is a tribal member of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and has lived most of her life within the Nation. She is also a mother of two children, one currently in first grade and the other in high school. In her new role, Baptisto will be responsible for enforcing the Nation’s truancy ordinance while working with students and their families to address attendance concerns.

Before joining the Education Division, Baptisto worked as a pharmacy technician. Prior to that, she spent nearly eight years working for the Nation’s Events Department, where she helped organize community events. Now, she is excited to start a new chapter with the Education Division. “I’m just excited to be in this new position,” Baptisto shared. “I’m hoping I can help out families and their kids.”

As a mother herself, Baptisto understands the importance of making sure children get to school on time and to attend regularly. She also recognizes that there can be many different reasons why a student may struggle with attending school. Rather than simply focusing on truancy as an issue of attendance, Baptisto hopes to work closely with families to understand the circumstances affecting their children and find workable solutions to the challenges they may be facing.

Her experience within the Nation, combined with her unique perspective as a parent, will provide her with an opportunity to connect with families and help support students in getting the most out of their education. Lieah Baptisto, welcome to the Fort McDowell Education Division, and best of luck in your new position!