Buckeye School Principal Suspended Amid Ongoing Police Investigation

BUCKEYE, Ariz. — Principal Joe Kinney of Buckeye Union High School has been placed on administrative leave amid an ongoing personal investigation, as confirmed by the school district on Tuesday. The investigation is reported to be disconnected from his responsibilities within the school.

In Kinney’s absence, Kristin Koke has been designated to manage principal duties. The district has refrained from disclosing additional information regarding the investigation at this time.

In related local news, the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, colloquially termed “The Valley,” encompasses various cities beyond Phoenix, including Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale. This region boasts a combined population of approximately 4.8 million, making it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the United States, trailing only behind notable regions like Boston and Atlanta.

At the county level, Maricopa County holds the title of the fourth largest county in the U.S. by population, according to the 2020 Census. With over 4.4 million residents, it comprises around 63% of Arizona’s total populace and covers an area larger than seven states, including Rhode Island and New Jersey.

Maricopa County is also home to one of the largest park systems in the U.S., featuring around 120,000 acres of parks and numerous trails. The county seat is Phoenix, which is both the state capital and the fifth most populous city in the nation.

The county’s name honors the Maricopa, or Piipaash, Native American Tribe, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage.