Meet Jayne Diaz, Principal of Ross Elementary. She has been the assistant principal for the last seven-plus years. Jayne began her career as an educator in 2001 at Oakdale Elementary. She joined Dodge City USD 443 in 2009 as an instructional coach, and in 2015 she was named Assistant Principal of Ross Elementary. 

Diaz received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a minor in family and child development in 2000, her Master of Science in curriculum and instruction with ESL endorsement in 2005, and her Master of Science in educational administration and leadership in 2011. Professionally, she has served on the Kansas Principal’s Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), National Association of Bilingual Education (NABE), USD 443 Professional Development Council, 443 math, and steering committees.

Jayne is married to Luis, a DCHS graduate and a Dodge City Fire Department firefighter. They have two daughters, Sophia, a sophomore at DCHS, and Reyna, who attends Bright Beginnings. She and her family love to attend K-State Athletic events. Jayne finds joy in working in the dirt, nurturing plants and flowers. 

She fondly shared memories of her grandmother, a teacher who was the first to encourage her love of teaching. Recently, Jayne discovered her grandmother’s teaching contract and said, “things have certainly changed.”

When asked about her new role in the district, Jayne said, “I have thoroughly loved getting the privilege to work alongside many great educators and leaders in my career. The family at Ross has always made me feel at home, and I look forward to continuing all the amazing things we have to support our students. Thank you, families, for trusting us with your precious rhinos!”

diaz.jayne@usd443.org

Meet Carla Medrano, Assistant Principal at Ross Elementary! Carla was born and raised in Dodge City and attended Dodge City Public Schools K-12. After receiving her Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University in 2013, she returned to her hometown to teach. Medrano received her Master of Science in education administration from Fort Hays State University in December 2019. 

Carla’s love for education has motivated her to grow as an educator. She taught kindergarten at Soule Elementary for seven years and is completing her second year as an instructional coach. Professionally, she has facilitated LETRS training, served on the Culturally Responsive Multiplier Team, and assisted with planning for the Summer Institute Sessions and Writing Workshops.

When not working with students or collaborating with colleagues, Carla enjoys outdoor runs and has challenged herself to participate in 5K and 10K races. She even tackled a half-marathon, which seemed like an impossible goal. She loves to travel and is an adventurer seeking opportunities to hike, zip line, snowmobile, and explore. Carla also enjoys baking and spending time with her loved ones. 

medrano.carla@usd443.org