I am SO excited to be joining the Crafton community as your principal!  I’d like to share with you a little bit about myself:

I first came to Crafton in July of 1997, having been hired to teach 5th grade on B track.  It’s been nearly 26 years since then, and our world has seen many, many changes since that time.  But when the Superintendent called me a few weeks ago to let me know I would be named as Crafton’s next principal, I truly felt like I would be coming home!

I taught 5 years in Rialto USD before coming to Crafton.  After several wonderful years here, I moved to Franklin Elementary and then, in 2006, to Judson and Brown, its inaugural year.  In 2007, I became a site-based Teacher On Assignment, serving as an instructional coach over a period of 5 years in nearly all of our district's elementary schools.  In 2011, I became Assistant Principal at Victoria Elementary, where I worked until 2014, when I was named Principal of Alternative and Adult Education for Redlands USD.  In this role, I led the district’s K-12 Independent Study Program (RISE), our K-12 blended learning school (Redlands eAcademy) and, until this past August, the Redlands Adult School.

I have loved each and every phase of my career.  And now, I am unbelievably excited to return exclusively to K-5 Education and, especially, to be BACK at Crafton!

I look forward to getting to know the students and families of Crafton school!  So... say HELLO when you see me during drop off or pick up times (I’ll be out there!), or stop by the office and introduce yourself!  I can’t wait to meet you!

In grateful anticipation,

David Finley,

Principal

Crafton Elementary