Teachers and Students Unite to Save Beloved Vice Principal from Unjust Ouster

In a packed meeting last night, parents, students, teachers, and community members rallied in support of Alan Gofron, a veteran educator and vice principal at Butterfield Elementary School, who is facing a reassignment from his administrative role. Gofron has spent eight years as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) at Butterfield, a position that often includes leadership responsibilities similar to those of a vice principal.

The details surrounding Gofron’s reassignment have not been officially clarified by the Maricopa Unified School District, but many speakers expressed concern during the meeting. Amanda Coffey, a former parent-teacher organization (PTO) president, emphasized, “Mr. Gofron has been a cornerstone of this school. His reassignment, based on the opinion of one individual who’s no longer even at the school, is unjust.”

Several attendees pointed to a perceived conflict between Gofron and the current principal, Randi Fielding, as the cause behind the reassignment. Many questioned the evaluation process that led to this decision, citing a lack of transparency. Fielding, who took over as principal in June and has a decade of experience in the Florence school system, did not publicly address these concerns.

Numerous speakers described Gofron as a trusted advocate and community pillar. Second-grade teacher and parent Samantha Harris called him “the glue that holds the school together,” urging the board to reconsider his reassignment, which could destabilize an already strained campus. Students added their voices, with a third grader stating, “He’s really nice and really awesome,” and a former student recalling how Gofron supported him during bullying incidents.

Following the meeting, Coffey and PTO Treasurer Kevin Kestler highlighted the grassroots efforts to support Gofron. Kestler reported, “We had kids make T-shirts for him. Kids spoke up on their own. That should mean something.” Despite the board not directly addressing the community’s concerns, their passion and unity were unmistakable.

During the meeting, the board addressed “Discussion and Possible Approval of Personnel Schedule,” which included Gofron’s reassignment. After public comments, the board approved the change unanimously. The move is effective July 16. However, supporters remain hopeful that the community’s voice will lead to a reconsideration before the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Coffey concluded, “His impact doesn’t end with a reassignment. This community will continue to stand behind him.” As it stands, Gofron’s bio remains on the Butterfield Elementary School website, although his photo has been omitted.